CHICAGO (AP): The governors of eight states surrounding the Great Lakes and the leaders of two Canadian provinces have agreed at a meeting in Chicago to join forces to combat invasive species including Asian Carp.



Saturday's final round of meetings resulted in a mutual aid agreement under which the states and provinces will share staff and expertise in the event of a serious regional threat from invasive species.



The two-day gathering of the Council of Great Lakes Governors and the provinces of Ontario and Quebec also addressed strategies for improving maritime transport and attracting Chinese and other foreign investment in manufacturing.



Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder says, “The threat of aquatic invasive species transcends borders” and Saturday's agreement will empower the region to work together in solving the problem.