Eat me! That’s one way to stop the spread. Participants of the Aquatic Invaders Summit II this week in St. Cloud, Minnesota may well now be hooked on carp. Conference attendees were treated to a rare delicacy, smoked Asian Carp compliments of Wildlife Forever and Schafer Fisheries, a commercial fish operator from Illinois. Featuring the delicacy of Asian carp at the opening reception spotlights the important need for public awareness and collaboration in preventing their spread while embracing invasive species at the dinner table.
Asian Carp populations are spreading and threatening fisheries across the United States. Internationally known asmoked-carp-chunk 2s a high value protein source, their meat is praised as being mild, flavorful and delicious served in a variety of ways.
“We wanted to give people a unique experience and opportunity to try something fun and new. Here in Minnesota, Asian Carp are on the door step, shutting down locks and building barriers is the first line of defense. We also really need an informed and educated public to prevent the future spreadâ€, said Pat Conzemius, Conservation Director for Wildlife Forever and the Clean Drain Dry Initiative.
The Aquatic Invaders Summit II was organized by Minnesota Lakes and River Advocates with funding from the Initiative Foundation. Conference themes centered on “An Exploration of local collaboration, innovation and opportunity.â€
During the evening reception at the St. Cloud River Center, conference guests were treated to smoked fish and also a minced spread served with crackers and a variety of other condiments.
The Clean Drain Dry Initiativeâ„¢ is the national outreach campaign to educate all outdoor recreational users on how to prevent the spread of invasive species. Working with local, state, federal and the outdoor industry, coordinated invasive species messaging focuses on strategic content, marketing communications and outreach tools for how to prevent. For more information and tips on how you can help, follow along on their Facebook page.
