TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — Fishing and tourism interests fear Asian Carp could devastate a Great Lakes economy already hurt by foreign invaders such as zebra mussels.

A large crowd attended a meeting about the carp Wednesday in Traverse City hosted by Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox and U.S. Rep. Dave Camp.

Rick Balabon of the Michigan Steelhead and Salmon Fishermen’s Association said carp might reduce populations of walleye, bass and other fish beloved by fishing enthusiasts. Eric Andersen of the Michigan Charter Boat Association said the carp could lead tourists looking for fishing to go elsewhere.

Both groups seek to close Chicago shipping locks that could let the carp reach Lake Michigan.

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — A Wayne State University business professor says opponents are overstating the cost of closing Chicago shipping locks to keep Asian carp out of the Great Lakes.

John Taylor says closing the locks would boost transportation costs by $70 million a year. But many fear the $7 billion Great Lakes fishing industry would be in jeopardy if the unwanted carp become established there.

Taylor analyzed potential economic losses for Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox, who wants the U.S. Supreme Court to order the locks closed and require eventual separation of the Great Lakes from the Mississippi River system.

Taylor is scheduled to discuss his findings with reporters Thursday.

Many Chicago barge and tour boat operators say closing the locks would ruin their businesses.

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Indiana’s attorney general is preparing to file a legal brief supporting Michigan’s lawsuit aimed at keeping the Asian carp out of the Great Lakes.

Attorney General Greg Zoeller’s office says he’ll file a friend-of-the-court brief with the U.S. Supreme Court on Friday supporting at least in part Michigan’s lawsuit.

Michigan wants the Supreme Court to order the closure of the Chicago shipping locks to keep Asian carp out of Lake Michigan because the fish could devastate the Great Lakes fishing industry.

Five other Great Lakes states support Michigan’s suit. Although Zoeller’s brief will also support the suit, his office hasn’t said how the brief would stand on the lock closure issue.

Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels has opposed closing the locks.

Posted 2/18/2010