TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) -- The Canadian government says it will spend $17.5 million over the next five years to help prevent Asian carp from invading the Great Lakes.

Silver and bighead carp imported to the southern U.S. decades ago have been migrating up the Mississippi River and its tributaries. Scientists say they could damage native fish species if allowed to reach the Great Lakes, which are shared by the U.S. and Canada.

Fisheries and Oceans Minister Keith Ashfield said Monday that Canada will focus its efforts on educating people about the danger Asian carp pose and how to avoid bringing them into Canadian waters.

He said Canada also will work with U.S. experts to develop early warning and rapid response systems in case the aggressive fish are discovered in the Great Lakes.