A University of Minnesota professor wants to go to war with invasive species in the state’s lakes and rivers.
Peter Sorenson, a professor at the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resources Sciences, proposed creating an invasive species research center at the college, according to the Star Tribune. He told a senate committee Thursday that defeating invasive species like Asian carp and zebra mussels will take creative measures.
The center could develop poisons or even genetically-engineered diseases to battle the species.
“Conventional approaches don’t work,” Sorenson said. “It’s time to get serious about this.”
The center, which would cost $750,000 to launch and $1.3 million per year, could be funded using lottery or Legacy Amendment money or from the private industry, Sorenson said.
