n VMS continued from page 17 Gault said. “The inevitable future is that the safety net (of the Gavins Point Dam) will not last long unless we start to do something about it.” As national finalists, the VMS students concentrated on building public awareness. They produced a 3-minute video describing the Asian carp’s threat to the Missouri River and action needed to reduce those risks. The young people have reached out to Vermillion city and school officials, seeking action. This experience has changed her students, Gault said. Their focus has shifted away from the Samsung contest and to the Asian carp problem itself. “Initially, what we knew about Asian carp was featured on funny videos on the Internet,” she said. “That changed for us very quickly as we were exposed to the data – that data that we accumulated and that data that we studied changed our opinion from this being just an entertaining issue to one that’s very concerning. “It became something more than a contest. It became something more than a funny video. It actually is meaningful to them,” Gault said. Strategies Gault said her students have developed a plan of attack for dealing with the Asian carp’s threat. They found no easy solutions — like a hand-held device or a specialized fishing pole — but instead realized the real weapon is raising public awareness about the grave situation. “They have looked at solutions that have been occurring in other states. In Illinois, for example, they have developed a fishing industry,” Gault said. “The students have written letters to government officials requesting that South Dakota start to look at developing a fishing industry, or perhaps finance a fishing industry to come here to begin to control our population before it gets out of control.” They also learned about an $18 million blockade to separate Lake Michigan from the other Great Lakes. However, they suggested that South Dakotans focus on scientific approaches. For example, a “bio-bullet” is in development. “Scientists, for example, are looking for a particular enzyme that only exists in Asian carp, so that if you feed them a particular type of poison that would be put in the water, it would only kill the Asian carp and it would leave all of our native species alive,” Gault said. Her students support pheromone research, to lure Asian carp to locations where they can be fished, or where they can be poisoned. Not surprised Gault said she’s known all along her students were capable of tackling the daunting task of fighting the Asian carp epidemic. “They’re smart, you just have to give them the opportunities to show all of us what they can do,” Gault said. “It’s something amazing to be a part of this as a teacher.” Gault said she hopes her students realize how much they’ve accomplished already. VMS continued on page 22 It’s time to bundle up the kids and go play! To keep your kids ready for action, we’ll provide the best care for your kids’ ear, nose and throat health. After all, we’re parents just like you and we know how important it is to keep your kids healthy. We’re H“ear” ForYou! Lewis & Clark Medical Plaza EAR, NOSE & THROAT 2525 Fox Run Parkway, Suite 101, Yankton, SD ASSOCIATES, P .C. www.entyankton.com • 605-665-0062 • 1-866-665-0062 HERVOICE MARCH/APRIL 2014 v 19