Carp bomb: Barrier break

CHICAGO – A bighead Asian Carp was apprehended Wednesday after breaching a maximum security federal barrier, officials say. No one was harmed in the capture of the 20-pounder. Officials aren’t sure how the carp escaped, but they say he was just six miles from a clean getaway. Advocates of the watery prison say it keeps the public safe from the ferocious fish.  Opponents say the barrier isn’t a cure, but a band-aid over a larger ecological problem. Click here for more on how society is putting up with carp.

Think of the children

Carp bomb gallery

We took some of the best reader contributions to our carp bomb feature and assembled them into their own gallery. And yes, we realize that this invasive species is a serious threat to the Great Lakes. We also think it’s OK to lighten up once and awhile. So enjoy.

Carp bomb: Conspiracy theories

I know this Asian carp looks shocked, but I heard that he helped Jack Ruby sneak through. Don’t forget to join in on the carp bomb fun. Read all about it here.

Carp bomb: Beach landing

Frank Dutiri sends us this carp bomb, which perpetuates a few themes that have emerged from our submissions so far: Asian carp (click for news) are big, and have a taste for human young. But this big boy strikes another sinister, unsettling tone with me. We’re so worried about all the plankton that’s going to get sucked into those big mouths. But if they’re executing beach landings like this, what the heck is going to come out? Don’t forget to make your own Asian carp bombs and submit them Great Lakes Echo.

Carp bomb: Harvesting for carp cuisine

There’s been some buzz around the “If you can’t beat em, eat em” Asian carp control strategy. One Chicago alderman wants to use carp to feed the poor. Others argue that the Asian carp diet is no replacement for policy- and infrastructure-based eradication. Either way, carp bomb Flickr group member Joel has proof that the anglers of Manistee, Mich. are ready to provide the raw material to get the carp cuisine rolling.

Carp bomb: Sarah Palin goes rogue

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is a big player in the Asian carp story. Echo writer Andrew Norman envisions a world in which the rest of the Army gets involved. And they’ve got a secret weapon. Carp bombs are fun for everyone. Here’s how to make your own.

Carp bomb: The Marina City carp cobs

The Marina City towers on the Chicago River are sometimes called “corn cobs” for their vegetal resemblances. I’m sure “carp cobs” will be an easy adjustment once this Asian carp invasion hits full swing. This carp bomb is brought to you by Katie Coleman and the Environmental Law and Policy Center. Remember, we want to show off YOUR Asian carp photobombs. Read all about how it works here.

Carp bomb: From downtown

The city of Mason, Mich. may be 70 miles from the nearest Great Lake, but that’s not stopping them from drafting a resolution supporting Asian carp control. Here’s what the city can expect if their words aren’t heeded:

Thanks to Christie Bleck for the submission. Do you have a picture that could use a hulking invasive fish in it? Here’s how to get in on the action.

Daily carp bomb: Is it carp season?

Perhaps direct confrontation is the best way to repel an invasion. “He’s doing his part to control the invasion of Asian Carp at Leelanau State Park,” writes casglass on the Echo carp bomb flickr group. Want in on the carp bomb photoshop fun? Learn how to create your own.

Daily carp bomb: Economic recarpery

Has Toyota’s sticky gas pedal debacle shaken your confidence in Asian cars? Why should we expect anything different from Asian carp? If we’re going to have carp, we better build them here, says Flickr member Michelle B4. Don’t forget to submit your own carp bomb. And check out the waves these bombs are making in the local press.