Changing the way we think about our oceans…

Eat More Pest Species (Vol. 2)

Posted on | January 23, 2010 | 2 Comments

Amid headlines dominated by health care reform and U.S. relief efforts in Haiti, a story about Asian carp and its potentially disastrous effects on the Great Lakes has grabbed people’s attention. The President, Supreme Court, and now Congress are involved in figuring out how to deal with this invasive species. Supported by SOP, one win-win scenario that is part of the solution is to eat more Asian carp.

Silver Carp, not the prettiest fish

Silver Carp, not the prettiest fish

Asian carp, a grouping that includes bighead, black, grass, and silver carps, were introduced into the U.S. in the 1970s to clean fish hatcheries and ponds throughout the South. Since a huge escapement event in the 1990s caused by heavy flooding, these fish have dramatically changed the ecological balance of rivers throughout the heart of this country. Weighing up to 100 pounds and growing up to 4 feet, Asian carp voraciously consume vegetation and plankton in direct competition with commercially-important native fish species.

At stake is the $7 billion per year commercial fishing industry of the Great Lakes. As Asian carp continue their migration up the Mississippi River toward the Great Lakes, many have demanded closing locks on waterways that connect the river to Lake Michigan. At this point neither the Obama Administration nor Supreme Court are willing to mandate that measure. Obama’s chief environmental advisor has called for an Asian carp summit with the Great Lakes’ states to take place as early as February.

While the politicians figure out their response to this problem, we can do our part by eating more Asian carp. Admittedly, it is not the most desirable fish out there (they tend to be on the bony side). But, it is inexpensive and can be prepared in ways that appeal to people across many cultures. The Polish mellow out its somewhat fishy taste by soaking it in milk and onions. The Vietnamese poach carp in coconut milk flavored with lemongrass and chili peppers. And for years, Americans have been smoking, pickling, and deep-frying these abundant invasives.

Although most of America will shun Asian carp from gracing their dinner plates, other countries that do not have that luxury may benefit from access to inexpensive and healthy protein. Let’s hope the politicians use a little creativity in attempting to solve this immensely complex issue. For those of you who want to learn more, check out the video below. If nothing else, you should watch the first forty seconds. You will be blown away at how quickly these fish jump out of the water into the paths of unsuspecting boaters.

Category: Commercial Fisheries, Fisheries Management, Recipes & Cooking Tips
Tags: > > > > > > > >

Related Posts

Comments

2 Responses to “Eat More Pest Species (Vol. 2)”

  1. Susan Havens
    February 5th, 2010 @ 12:53 PM

    ” As Americans we have to disbuse ourselves of the notion that the top of the food chain is not what we should be harvesting.

  2. Braddock Spear
    February 7th, 2010 @ 7:07 PM

    Thank you for sharing your perspective. Many people would argue that fishing down the food chain is what’s currently happening.

Leave a Reply