In the 1970s, the Asian Carp was introduced into US waterways to eat algae. The fish, which can grow to as large as 100 pounds is now eating up native fish is now considered an invasive species that devowers native fish in the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers and is now threatening the Great Lakes.
Fortunately, there is a company that decided to turn this lemon into lemonade. The Big River Fish Company in Pearl, Illinois, sends thousands of pounds of the Asian carp back to Asia as food. Ross Harano, Big River Fish Co. International Marketing director, had the idea to market the fish as wild and nonpolluted and to sell it to high-end restaurants in Asia. Harano claims the fish has “very solid meat” and takes on the taste of sauces when cooked. So far, there have been very favorable reviews from restaurant owners.
Rebranding the somewhat unattractive and invasive species could mean jobs here in the United States along with the opportunity to address what some consider an environmental threat.
Listen to the entire story at Startup Company Forks Over Asian Carp.
4 Responses
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Stephen Kelly Says:
Wow, it’s great to see someone finally doing SOMETHING about this issue. I remember several years back hearing about the Asian Carp arriving at the foot of lock and dam #3 near Red Wing, MN. Anglers and DNR were both very concerned, as they should be!
Do the Asian Carp actually consume other fish? I was under the impression that they displaced other species by eliminating food resources. They are voracious eaters, and the Mississippi ecosystem simply can’t support them and other bottom eaters.
I’ve always heard smoked carp is good eating. Does anyone here have any experience munching on this fish? Thanks for bringing this to my attention Cody!
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Stephen Kelly Says:
I think the NPR bit portrayed the Asian Carp diet incorrectly. This government page should clarify.
http://www.fws.gov/midwest/lacrossefisheries/AsianCarpSeven.html
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Judelia Says:
The short and the long of it is “don’t mess with Mother Nature” and when/if you do, be prepared for outcomes you don’t like!
Now… hat’s off to the marketers for finding the “silver lining” in the cloud of “too many, too big Asian Carp.
Smoked “any fish” is a good idea!
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Rob Roettger Says:
This could be a great opportunity to export fish back to Asia. They eat alot of fish. Their population is exploding. It would be a great way to expand our exports.
We have vast waterways in which to raise these fish. They grow quickly. I am not sure if it is legal to market them as, unpolluted. The Missisippi is polluted. Most people do not eat their catch from the river.
