Protecting the Great Lakes from Invasive Carp

5/9/2025

Presidential Memoranda

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Action Summary

Objective: Prevent the incursion of invasive Asian carp into the Great Lakes, protecting ecological balance, native fish populations, and economic interests including fishing, boating, and tourism.
Geographical Focus: All Great Lakes States—Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin—with specific emphasis on the entry point near Lake Michigan.
Threat Details: Invasive carp large in size and rapid reproduction outcompete native species, reduce water quality, and threaten regional industries and ecosystems.
Key Infrastructure Initiative: The Brandon Road Interbasin Project near Joliet, Illinois, funded with $274 million and involving the Army Corps of Engineers alongside state partners, aims to deploy technological deterrents against carp migration.
State and Federal Coordination:
- State Action: Urges Illinois to acquire necessary property by July 1, 2025, and to issue permits/approvals swiftly (within 30 days) to avoid project delays.
- Federal Action: Directs the Secretaries of the Interior, Commerce, Army and the EPA Administrator to streamline permitting, expedite environmental reviews, and deploy effective barrier measures.
Additional Measures:
- EPA to prioritize infrastructure for invasive carp removal in the Upper Illinois Waterway near Lake Michigan and maintain existing barriers.
- NOAA and the Fish and Wildlife Service to utilize the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force for research, management, and enhanced information-sharing on aquatic invasive species.

Risks & Considerations

The memorandum emphasizes the urgency of protecting the Great Lakes from invasive carp, which poses a significant ecological and economic threat. This could lead to increased federal and state collaboration, but also potential conflicts if states do not comply with federal directives.
Delays in state-level cooperation, such as land acquisition and permitting by Illinois, could hinder the progress of the Brandon Road Interbasin Project, potentially leading to increased costs and extended timelines.
The focus on invasive species management may divert resources from other environmental or infrastructure projects, impacting funding and attention to other areas of concern.
Vanderbilt University may need to consider how these environmental policies could affect its research programs, particularly those related to ecology, environmental science, and public policy.

Impacted Programs

Vanderbilt’s Environmental Science and Policy Program may see increased demand for research and expertise in invasive species management and ecological preservation, presenting opportunities for collaboration with federal and state agencies.
The Vanderbilt Institute for Energy and Environment could play a crucial role in supporting research on innovative technological deterrents and ecological impacts of invasive species.
Vanderbilt’s partnerships with governmental and non-governmental organizations may need to be reevaluated to ensure alignment with the new environmental policies and priorities.

Financial Impact

The allocation of federal funds towards invasive species management initiatives could impact the funding landscape for other environmental and infrastructure projects, potentially leading to reduced financial support for these areas.
Vanderbilt University might experience changes in its funding opportunities, particularly if federal discretionary grants prioritize invasive species management. This could necessitate adjustments in grant application strategies and partnerships.
There may be increased opportunities for Vanderbilt to secure funding for research and development in environmental policy and invasive species management, particularly through collaborations with the Environmental Protection Agency and other federal agencies.

Relevance Score: 3 (The memorandum presents moderate risks typically involving compliance or ethics, with potential impacts on research and funding opportunities.)

Key Actions

Vanderbilt’s Environmental Science Department should explore research opportunities related to invasive species management, particularly focusing on the ecological and economic impacts of invasive carp in freshwater systems. This could position the university as a leader in environmental research and policy development.
The Office of Federal Relations should monitor developments in federal funding and support for projects like the Brandon Road Interbasin Project. Engaging with federal agencies and state governments could open avenues for collaboration and funding for related research initiatives at Vanderbilt.
Vanderbilt’s School of Engineering could investigate technological innovations in barrier and deterrent systems for invasive species. By contributing to the development of effective solutions, the school can enhance its reputation in environmental engineering and attract potential partnerships and funding.
The Vanderbilt Institute for Energy and Environment should consider hosting workshops or conferences on invasive species management, bringing together experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss strategies and share research findings. This could enhance Vanderbilt’s role as a thought leader in environmental policy.

Opportunities

The memorandum presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Research Centers to secure federal grants for studying the impacts of invasive species and developing management strategies. By aligning research objectives with federal priorities, Vanderbilt can increase its competitiveness for funding.
Vanderbilt can capitalize on the increased focus on invasive species management by developing interdisciplinary programs that combine environmental science, policy, and engineering. This could attract students interested in addressing complex environmental challenges and enhance the university’s academic offerings.
The emphasis on collaboration between federal and state agencies offers an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Public Policy Studies to engage in policy analysis and advocacy. By providing evidence-based recommendations, the program can influence policy decisions and contribute to effective management of invasive species.

Relevance Score: 3 (The memorandum suggests some adjustments are needed to processes or procedures at Vanderbilt to align with federal priorities and capitalize on research opportunities.)

Average Relevance Score: 3.6

Timeline for Implementation

State of Illinois to acquire the necessary land for the Brandon Road Interbasin Project by July 1, 2025.
State and local authorities to issue any required permits within 30 days of the permit becoming available for consideration.

The shortest timeline directive here is the 30-day permit issuance requirement.

Relevance Score: 4

Impacted Government Organizations

Department of the Interior: Tasked with implementing measures to prevent invasive carp from entering the Great Lakes.
Department of Commerce: Charged with coordinating efforts and resource investments to support the project.
Department of the Army: Instructed to work with relevant agencies and support construction activities related to the project (specifically in managing Army Corps of Engineers operations).
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Directed to streamline permitting and environmental reviews, and to support infrastructure projects aimed at preventing invasive carp migration.
United States Army Corps of Engineers: Integral to the Brandon Road Interbasin Project, responsible for construction and operation of deterrent measures.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA): Directed to prioritize aquatic invasive species research and support efforts through its Great Lakes Aquatic Nuisance Species Information System.
United States Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS): Collaborates with NOAA as part of the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force to address management and prevention of invasive species.

Relevance Score: 3 (Between 6-10 federal agencies are impacted by this directive.)

Responsible Officials

Secretary of the Interior – Directly responsible for determining and implementing mechanisms to prevent invasive carp migration in the Great Lakes Basin.
Secretary of Commerce – Tasked with identifying and executing support measures for the initiative.
Secretary of the Army – Charged with streamlining permitting processes and facilitating construction of deterrent measures through the Army Corps of Engineers.
Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency – Responsible for expediting environmental reviews and prioritizing infrastructure projects to defend against invasive carp.
Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration – Instructed to support research and operational actions through the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force.
Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service – Collaborates with NOAA via the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force to manage invasive species concerns.

Relevance Score: 5 (Directions affect high-level Cabinet officials and agency heads, reflecting significant national and interagency strategy.)