A new study says it would cost up to between $3 billion and $9.5 billion to separate the artificial water link between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River. 

The report done by the interstate Great Lakes Commission shows three specific ways to separate that connection. It’s part of an effort to prevent invasive species including the Asian Carp from entering the Lakes.

Environmental groups say the expense would be worth it in the long run to keep the carp from ruining the Great Lakes and connecting waterways. The voracious feeders can grow up to 90 pounds destroying ecosystems which the Alliance for the Great Lakes says will lead to lost tourism and fishing related dollars.

Changes at the Mississippi River/Lake Michigan connection have been a contentious issue. Suggestions to close Chicago lock system have been met with opposition by Illinois officials who cite major economic loss from the heavily traveled shipping channel.

For the second year in a row a record number of Lake Winnebago sturgeon spearing licenses have been sold; 12,680 people bought licenses, up from the previous record of just over 12,423 set last year. It’s also an increase of 50 percent since 2007. 

DNR Fisheries Supervisor Ron Bruch cites “public ownership” as a reason for the program’s popularity. He says the agency sets policy based largely in input received through the Winnebago Citizens’ Sturgeon Advisory Committee and Sturgeons for Tomorrow.

Bruch adds the sturgeon population is as robust as it’s been since the 1800s with DNR assessments showing a number of 200-pounders in the water.

With spotty winter conditions this year, Bruch advises spearers to be extra cautious when cutting into the ice.  Due to an algae bloom earlier this winter he says water clarity in the system is “marginal right now but they look to be improving.”

The season begins February 11 to February 26 or until spearers reach the harvest caps.