LANSING (WKZO) -- The threat posed by Asian carp in the Great Lakes was heightened Tuesday after it was announced genetic material from the fish were found in Lake Erie.

Officials say the Asian carp increased in population as they expanded from the southern U.S. north in the Mississippi River.  They are considered a threat to fisheries and recreation fishing.

So far, none of the carp have been found in the Great Lakes, but state officials are continuing their fight to keep the invasive fish from the Great Lakes.