Presidential Memorandum May 09, 2025

Protecting the Great Lakes from Invasive Carp

Environment Infrastructure Economy Public Safety

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In Simple Terms

The government wants to stop invasive carp from entering the Great Lakes. They are urging Illinois to help start a project to block these fish.

Summary

President Donald Trump has issued a memorandum aimed at protecting the Great Lakes from the threat of invasive carp. The memorandum directs several federal agencies, including the Departments of the Interior, Commerce, and the Army, as well as the Environmental Protection Agency, to implement effective measures to prevent the spread of these invasive species. A key focus is the Brandon Road Interbasin Project in Illinois, which is designed to block carp from entering the Great Lakes. The memorandum urges the State of Illinois to expedite land acquisition and permitting processes to facilitate the project's construction. Additionally, federal agencies are instructed to streamline their own permitting and support research and infrastructure projects to manage and remove invasive carp.

Official Record

Awaiting Federal Register

Published on WhiteHouse.gov

View on WhiteHouse.gov

May 09, 2025

Pending Federal Register publication

Analysis & Impact

💡 How This May Affect You

The presidential action to protect the Great Lakes from invasive carp has several implications for various groups of Americans. Here's how it may affect them:

Working Families and Individuals

For families living in the Great Lakes region, this action could help preserve local jobs and recreational activities. The Great Lakes support a significant fishing industry, which provides employment and contributes to local economies. By preventing invasive carp from disrupting these ecosystems, the action aims to protect jobs related to fishing, tourism, and recreation. Families who enjoy fishing and boating as leisure activities could also benefit from healthier waterways and more abundant native fish populations.

Small Business Owners

Small businesses in the tourism and fishing industries could see positive impacts from this action. Businesses that rely on tourism, such as local restaurants, hotels, and recreational equipment rentals, might benefit from continued or increased visitor interest in the Great Lakes. By maintaining the health of the lakes, the action helps ensure that these businesses can thrive. Conversely, those involved in commercial fishing could avoid potential losses that invasive carp might cause by outcompeting native fish species.

Students and Recent Graduates

Students and recent graduates interested in environmental science, ecology, or marine biology might find more opportunities for study and employment due to increased research and management efforts related to invasive species. The action could lead to internships, research projects, and jobs focused on aquatic ecosystems, offering practical experience and career development in these fields.

Retirees and Seniors

Retirees and seniors living near the Great Lakes may appreciate the preservation of the natural environment for recreational purposes. Many retirees enjoy fishing, boating, and spending time on the water, and maintaining the health of the Great Lakes ensures these activities remain accessible. Additionally, the action supports the local economy, which can indirectly benefit retirees by maintaining property values and community resources.

Different Geographic Regions

Urban Areas: Cities along the Great Lakes, like Chicago and Detroit, could see economic benefits from sustained tourism and recreation industries. Urban residents might also enjoy improved water quality and access to recreational activities.
Suburban Areas: Suburban communities might experience similar benefits to urban areas, with the added advantage of preserving local natural spaces for recreation and community events.
Rural Areas: Rural regions may experience significant impacts, especially those reliant on agriculture and fishing. By protecting the local ecosystem, the action helps sustain industries that are vital to rural economies. Additionally, rural areas often host natural habitats that benefit from environmental protection efforts.

Practical Implications

Daily Life: Residents in the Great Lakes region might notice efforts to manage waterways and prevent carp migration, such as construction projects or increased research activities.
Finances: By protecting local industries, the action could help stabilize or boost regional economies, potentially affecting local job markets and income levels.
Opportunities: Increased focus on ecological research and management could provide educational and career opportunities, particularly in environmental science and related fields.

Overall, this presidential action aims to protect and preserve the Great Lakes' ecological and economic health, which can have wide-ranging benefits for individuals and communities across the region.

🏢 Key Stakeholders

Primary Beneficiaries

Great Lakes Fishing and Tourism Industries
- These industries will benefit from the protection of native fish populations and water quality, which are crucial for their economic sustainability. By preventing invasive carp from entering the Great Lakes, the fishing and tourism sectors can maintain their ecological balance and continue to support jobs and commerce.
Environmental Advocacy Groups
- Organizations focused on preserving biodiversity and water quality will see this action as a victory for conservation efforts. Protecting the Great Lakes from invasive species aligns with their objectives to safeguard natural ecosystems and prevent ecological degradation.

Those Facing Challenges

State of Illinois
- Illinois faces the challenge of acquiring land and issuing permits for the Brandon Road Interbasin Project. Delays in these processes could lead to political and economic pressure, as the state is urged to act swiftly to protect shared resources.
Invasive Carp Harvesting Industry
- Companies involved in the commercial harvesting of invasive carp may face reduced opportunities if the carp population is successfully controlled. While this industry is smaller compared to others, it could see a decline in business as carp barriers become effective.

Industries, Sectors, or Professions Most Impacted

Construction and Engineering Firms
- These firms will be involved in the construction and implementation of barriers and other infrastructure projects designed to prevent carp migration. The action presents opportunities for contracts and employment within this sector.
Recreational Boating and Fishing
- These sectors depend on healthy fish populations and clean waterways. By curbing invasive carp, the action helps ensure the long-term viability of recreational activities that are economically significant in the region.

Government Agencies or Departments Involved

United States Army Corps of Engineers
- The Army Corps is directly involved in the construction of the Brandon Road Interbasin Project. They are responsible for implementing technological deterrents and ensuring the project's success to prevent carp from entering the Great Lakes.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- The EPA plays a critical role in supporting infrastructure projects and maintaining barriers to prevent carp migration. Their involvement is key to ensuring environmental compliance and effectiveness of the measures taken.

Interest Groups, Advocacy Organizations, or Lobbies

Great Lakes Commission
- This interstate compact agency advocates for the protection and sustainable use of the Great Lakes. They will likely support the presidential action as it aligns with their mission to preserve the ecological health and economic value of the lakes.
American Sportfishing Association
- As a representative of the sportfishing industry, this group has a vested interest in maintaining healthy fish populations. The action to prevent invasive carp aligns with their goals of protecting fisheries and promoting recreational fishing.

Overall, this presidential action aims to protect the ecological and economic integrity of the Great Lakes, benefiting numerous stakeholders while presenting challenges to those involved in invasive carp management and state-level regulatory processes.

📈 What to Expect

Short-term (3-12 months):

Immediate Implementation Steps:
- Federal agencies will begin coordinating efforts to expedite the Brandon Road Interbasin Project. This includes working closely with the State of Illinois to address land acquisition and permitting issues.
- The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other relevant agencies will prioritize infrastructure projects aimed at controlling invasive carp populations in waterways connected to the Great Lakes.
Early Visible Changes or Effects:
- Increased federal presence and activity in Illinois and other Great Lakes states as agencies work to implement the directive.
- Enhanced monitoring and research activities by NOAA and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in the Great Lakes region to assess the spread and impact of invasive carp.
Potential Initial Reactions or Challenges:
- Possible political and logistical pushback from the State of Illinois regarding the expedited timeline for land acquisition and permitting, which could delay project progress.
- Environmental groups and local stakeholders may express concerns about the potential ecological impacts of construction and intervention measures.
- Increased scrutiny and pressure from Great Lakes states and local communities to ensure timely and effective action.

Long-term (1-4 years):

Broader Systemic Changes:
- Successful implementation of the Brandon Road Interbasin Project could serve as a model for future invasive species management projects, potentially leading to more robust federal-state collaborations on environmental issues.
- Improved ecological balance in the Great Lakes region if invasive carp populations are effectively controlled, benefiting native fish species and supporting biodiversity.
Cumulative Effects on Society, Economy, or Policy Landscape:
- Economic benefits for the Great Lakes region, including the fishing and tourism industries, if invasive carp are prevented from entering and damaging these ecosystems.
- Strengthened relationships among Great Lakes states through collaborative efforts, potentially leading to more unified regional policies on environmental protection and resource management.
Potential for Modification, Expansion, or Reversal by Future Administrations:
- Future administrations may choose to expand efforts to other invasive species or regions if the project proves successful, potentially increasing funding and resources for similar initiatives.
- Conversely, if the project faces significant delays or fails to achieve its objectives, there could be calls for reevaluation or redirection of resources, with some stakeholders advocating for alternative approaches.
- Changes in political leadership at the state or federal level could influence the prioritization and continuation of the project, especially if economic or environmental priorities shift.

Overall, while the presidential action sets a clear path for addressing the threat of invasive carp, its success will depend on effective intergovernmental collaboration, timely execution of planned measures, and the ability to adapt to any emerging challenges or resistance.

📚 Historical Context

The presidential memorandum aimed at protecting the Great Lakes from invasive carp represents a significant environmental initiative with historical precedents in American governance. This action underscores the ongoing federal commitment to addressing environmental challenges through intergovernmental collaboration and strategic resource allocation.

Historical Precedents:

Environmental Protection and Invasive Species Control: Presidential actions to protect natural resources and combat invasive species have a long history. For example, President Jimmy Carter established the Superfund program in 1980 to clean up hazardous waste sites, demonstrating federal intervention in environmental protection. Similarly, President George W. Bush signed the Great Lakes Legacy Act in 2002, aimed at cleaning up contaminated sediments in the Great Lakes.
Interstate Collaboration: The memorandum's call for cooperation among Great Lakes states reflects historical patterns of interstate collaboration facilitated by federal leadership. The creation of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) in 1933 under President Franklin D. Roosevelt is a classic example of federal-state collaboration to manage natural resources across multiple states.
Infrastructure and Environmental Projects: The directive to expedite the Brandon Road Interbasin Project echoes past initiatives where infrastructure projects were prioritized to address environmental issues. President Dwight D. Eisenhower's Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956, while primarily a transportation initiative, also had significant environmental impacts, highlighting the role of federal infrastructure projects in shaping the environment.

Building Upon, Modifying, or Reversing Existing Policies:

The memorandum builds upon the Water Resources Development Act of 2020, which authorized the Brandon Road Interbasin Project. By emphasizing the urgency of the project and the need for state cooperation, it modifies the existing policy framework to accelerate implementation. This action does not reverse prior policies but rather reinforces and expedites them, emphasizing federal commitment and coordination.

Unique or Noteworthy Aspects:

Focus on Invasive Carp: While invasive species have been a concern for decades, the specific focus on Asian carp is noteworthy due to their rapid spread and significant ecological impact. This targeted approach highlights the administration's recognition of the unique threat posed by these species to the Great Lakes ecosystem.
Federal-State Dynamics: The memorandum's emphasis on state cooperation, particularly with Illinois, underscores the complex dynamics of federal-state relations. It illustrates how federal initiatives can be contingent on state actions, a recurring theme in American governance.
Technological and Research Emphasis: The directive to prioritize research and technological deterrents reflects a modern approach to environmental management, leveraging scientific advancements to address ecological challenges.

Broader Context:

This action fits into a broader pattern of federal involvement in environmental protection, where the government acts as a catalyst for state and local action. It also reflects a historical pattern of addressing regional environmental issues with national significance, similar to efforts to preserve the Chesapeake Bay or the Everglades.

In conclusion, the memorandum on protecting the Great Lakes from invasive carp is a continuation of longstanding federal efforts to safeguard natural resources, highlighting the interplay between federal initiatives and state cooperation. It stands out for its specific focus on an invasive species with significant ecological and economic implications, underscoring the evolving nature of environmental policy in the United States.

Affected Agencies

Department of the Army Environmental Protection Agency Department of the Interior Department of Commerce National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration United States Fish and Wildlife Service