CHESAPEAKE BAY, Md. — A new federal program, supported by Congressman Andy Harris and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), is investing $8 million to tackle the invasive blue catfish problem in the Chesapeake Bay. The effort aims to restore the bay’s ecosystem and boost the local seafood industry.
The program offers $6 million in grants to seafood processors to help them grow and create better markets for blue catfish. Another $2 million will fund a pilot program to buy blue catfish directly from local fishermen. Currently, fishermen catch about 20,000 pounds daily, but the program wants to increase that to between 40,000 and 60,000 pounds—doubling or even tripling the harvest. Blue catfish originally come from the Mississippi and Ohio River areas. They were introduced to the Chesapeake Bay in the 1970s and have since spread quickly, with over 100 million estimated in the area. These fish disrupt the ecosystem by eating native species like blue crabs and shad, which are important both environmentally and economically. Congressman Harris said, “This program not only deals with an invasive species threatening our Bay but also creates new economic opportunities for our watermen. By combining conservation with economic support, we protect the Chesapeake Bay and help local communities.” Besides helping the environment, catching and selling more blue catfish provides a healthy food source.
A 4-ounce serving has about 19 grams of protein, low fat, and beneficial Omega-3s. The USDA inspects these products to ensure they are safe and high quality. However, consumers should still follow guidelines regarding contaminants like PCBs, which can build up in larger, older fish. This federal effort offers a smart way to address environmental challenges while supporting local economies and encouraging younger people to enter the seafood industry.
