Quebec seizes three illegal Asian carp from Montreal businesses

In an operation dubbed "Barramundi II," Quebec's Ministry of Forests, Fauna and Parks seized threeAsian carp, an invasive species of fishprohibited in Quebec, after inspections ofnineMontreal businesses Wednesday.

The fish seized weregrass carp, a species of Asian carp.

"The ministry is very concerned about the presence of grass carp in Quebec," a news release on its website said.

"Its introduction or establishment (in waterways) would pose a threat to the environment, the economy and society," the ministry added.

• Why the discovery of a grass carp in the St. Lawrence River concerns experts

The release also noted that one of the fish was found in the St. Lawrence River last year.

Native to China, the carp were imported to the southern United States in the 1970s to control plants and algae in aquaculture ponds.

Flooding in the ponds spreadthe fishinto river systemsin the U.S.

The fish reproduce quickly and eat large amounts of food, which can "destroy valuable wetlands," according to Canada's Department of Fisheries and Oceans website.

Facing charges and fines

It's unclear why the operation was dubbedBarramundi, whichis a type of Asian sea bass found in the Persian Gulf, China, southern Japan, Papua New Guinea and northern Australia.

The provincial ministry didn't reveal the names of the businesses that were inspected, but said one was a hotel.

"Charges will be laid against the concerned institutions," the ministrysaid. "If found guilty, offenders are liable to fines, totaling $1,825 per count."

Other species of Asiancarp include bigheadcarp, black carp and silver carp. The latter are found en masse in the Mississippi River and are known for leaping out of the water, at times injuring boaters.

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