Congressman Tim Walberg has joined Democrat Debbie Dingell to introduce legislation intended to protect the Great Lakes from invasive mussels.

Walberg says the “Save Great Lakes Fish Act” would direct federal agencies to work with the Great Lakes Fishery Commission and tribal, state, and local governments on a coordinated effort to combat invasive mussel species. He says as a Michigander, he understands the importance of the Great Lakes fishing industry.

“This bipartisan legislation will help combat the spread of invasive mussels, ensuring that future generations of Michiganders can enjoy our fisheries,” Walberg said.

Dingell says invasive mussels in the Great Lakes are the modern-day sea lamprey problem and more should be done at the federal level to support the research into and deployment of a large-scale solution. She says that happened with efforts to manage sea lamprey in the 1950s, and the new legislation aims to replicate that success.

The legislation was introduced on Monday.