PORT CLINTON, OH - Governor Bob Taft joined members of the media and state wildlife officials today to fish for Lake Erie walleye as part of the annual Fish Ohio Day celebration here. During the event, Taft called upon the other Great Lakes states to strengthen efforts to protect Lake Erie from the destructive Asian carp.
"The Asian carp is perhaps the single biggest threat that has faced Lake Erie and the other Great Lakes in our history," said Taft, who is also chairman of the Council of Great Lakes Governors. "The stakes are too high - for Great Lakes fishing and the overall health of the lakes as an economic, recreational and natural resource - not to act now in preventing the Asian carp from entering our waters."
Taft said that he has taken a leadership role in addressing the issue, and has called upon other states to fund efforts to build a new permanent barrier, upgrade the existing, temporary barrier, and ensure adequate funding for ongoing management and operation of these structures.
Fishing from East Harbor State Park Marina, the governor caught four walleye.
Lake Erie fishing plays a significant role in supporting Ohio's economy and tourism. It contributes an estimated $1 billion to the state's economy yearly and recreational boating generates nearly $900 million a year, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).
Fish Ohio Day, based this year out of Port Clinton, is sponsored by the Ottawa County Visitors Bureau, Lake Erie Charter Boat Association and the ODNR Division of Wildlife.