TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) – The quest for a surefire way to keep Asian carp out of the Great Lakes appears to be foundering.

Scientists discovered DNA from the aggressive fish in Chicago-area waterways in 2009. Government agencies have spent more than $300 million on short-term measures such as electric barriers to block their path.

But the region is divided over a long-term solution.

An advisory panel representing businesses, environmentalists and other interest groups has scheduled what may be its last meeting Thursday.

A federal study says the most effective measure would be blocking waterways that connect the Mississippi River watershed with Lake Michigan.

Most of the region’s states favor that. But opponents in Illinois and Indiana say it would disrupt Chicago shipping traffic.