In 1831, Asian carp was imported as a delicacy. The Asian carp is native to Asia (Barbara A. Somervill 13). They were imported by catfish breeders in 1963 for federal research on aquatic vegetation control. In 1966, the first Asian carp escaped into Arkansas waters. In 1970, grass carp were stocked in Arkansas waters to combat overvegetation. In 1972, bighead carp were introduced to the United States by an Arkansas fish farmer to improve his water quality and fish production. In 1973, silver carp were introduced for phytoplankton control (Watershed Council 1). Over time, they were brought in for different reasons and ended up in many U.S. waters. The federal government had been transporting invasive species to help the waters, but it didn't realize the detrimental effects the fish would have on the future environment. People must find a way to stop them before it's too late. Their rapid reproduction had serious consequences on the environment and still affects it today. Overpopulation can destroy the environment and the millions of creatures around it. The spread of Asian carp could be deadly to our native fish species (Barbara A. Somervill 24). The term "Asian carp" has been used to include species that pose an immediate threat to wildlife. While the Michigan Department of Natural Resources poses a significant threat to the biological community and recreational opportunities, in the Great Lakes region it is particularly concerned about bighead and silver carp. There are four types of carp known as bighead, black, silver and bighead carp. Silver carp can weigh up to one hundred pounds and measure up to five feet. Black carp can weigh up to one hundred and fifty pounds (D'Arcy Eg...... middle of paper ...... the carp must be stopped before taking on more water. They disrupt the natural habitats of the fish. as well as other creatures living in the waters. They are no longer contributing to the environment. They are simply creating problems for our future. Garrison, Ronnie. .Np, nd Web.Landers, Jackson. “Monstrous Leaping Fish Are About to Invade the Great Lakes.” Np, 2014. Web, May 9, 2014. “Michigan Chefs Experiment with Asian Carp. " Michigan Radio Np, March 26, 2013. Web May 8, 2014. Somervill, Barbara A. Asian Carp, MI: Cherry Lake Pub., 2008. Print. Fish turns into environmental piranha: the battle against Asian carp. "Cleveland .com. Np, October 23, 2011. Web May 9. 2014.