A bit more about the NIV and what the shipping industry is doing. Will it help?

This comes from the Superior Daily Telegram.



I found it interesting the story does not go into great detail but has some information about keeping the virus that Garbon brought up. This issue interest me and it should interest everyone that has a connection to the Great Lakes. This has huge inpact on our lakes and our shipping industry. What can be done. We need to learn as much as we can about this issue and try to solve it. Here is the link that Garbon gave us, http://duluthpolitics.blogspot.com/2008/04/novirhabdovirus-latest-on-invasive.html.

Is this a possible solution or at least will it help? Any thoughts on this issue?


Great Lakes shippers take steps to halt deadly fish virus spread


The Daily TelegramPublished Tuesday, April 08, 2008
DETROIT (AP) — Great Lakes shippers say they’re taking steps to keep a deadly fish virus from spreading into Lake Superior through ballast water.
The Lake Carriers’ Association said Monday the measures will reduce the threat of viral hemorrhagic septicemia entering the lake or spreading there. The virus has been found in the other Great Lakes and in some inland lakes.




The group says freighters will try to take on ballast water in deep water away from shore and will re-circulate ballast water in their tanks to chop up any fish it may contain.
Wisconsin state fisheries official Mike Staggs says the measures could help but says ballast water still could contribute to the spread of disease and exotic species.

Lake Superior low

A report just came out that Lake Superior dropped in March. The water level dropped a full inch in March. This is not a typical drop for the month of March, it is normally does drop in March however it only drop 1/2 inch or so. The dry weather (lack of snow) sense December is the problem. Well we had the cold this we failed in the snow category.

If the lake levels keep dropping what will this do to shipping industry? Duluth and many ports re lie on there shipping season.

Novirhabdovirus - Latest on Invasive Species

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.