Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS). Also know as “Egtved virus” in Europe.
By now everyone has knows about Zebra Mussels. We all know that theses are bad. They have cost many businesses a small (or rather large) chunk of change and headache. They clog pipes, wash up on the beach, and forms large clusters on just about anything.
Maybe some of you remember the Sea Lamprey. This pesky little creature attaches itself to the side of a fish and eats away until the fish dies or it gets full. Many times the fish eventually dies from its wound.
There has been the Asian Carp and a whole slew of other invasive species. The latest, and greatest, Non-indigenous species (NIS) to hit the scene is the Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS).
This little devil doesn't affect the Great Lakes like Zebra Mussels do. It is a new type of NIS. It causes a viral infection in fish. Currently, there are 50 fish identified that are susceptible to this infection. The problem is "our fish" on the Great Lakes do not have immunity to this virus. Only time will tell what toll this virus will take on the Great Lakes.
So you ask your self, well what does this have to do with Duluth Politics?
Recently Michigan passed legislation regarding ballast water procedures for ships sailing in Michigan waters. Minnesota has followed up with talks of their own legislation. More to follow...
Until then, look for signs of VHS in your local paper. It's inching it’s way it's way across the Great Lakes.
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2 comments:
Garbon what are your thought on this issue. As one that deals with ships and your involment in the shipping industy.
Undecided...
I use to be against regulation. It is a major hassle to deal with in the shipping industry. There are regulations in place regarding this and that (dealing with the environment) already... Now ballast water is coming into play.
Michigan is the first state to pass any laws. Potentially there could be confusion if each state passes different laws. Then we have Canada bordering the North side of the lakes. What we need is standardization. The federal government needs to come into play except each state has the right to manage their own water, which they should.
The more research I do the more I am in favor of ballast water regulations. I think there can be more done before states start imposing regulations however. I think the immediate result of regulations will be a decline in the amount to foreign trade on the Great Lakes. The Mississippi River has already taken away a lot of our business. Regulation may take away more.
I am undecided because the more I learn about NIS the more I feel something needs to be done. It is much more complex than most people believe.
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