Asian Carp Danger-If we can't beat'em why don't we eat'em?
Experts say that the advance of Asian Carp threatens all native species in the great lakes. They are doing everything (READ: spending lots of money) to avoid this at all costs. My question is this... we eat lots of other lake fish - catfish, trout, bass, pike etc.... why don't we just eat these fish too? It looks like they're so easy to catch; once disturbed in the water, they jump up into the boat (see the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdcQ56OpxNE&feature=related). Not to mention they're like three feet long so they must provide plenty of meat. If a person is okay with eating other lake species, what's wrong with eating this one?
Although carp may be a delicacy in many countries, The majority in the U.S. feel other wise. As far as eating them, I have to admit that I have eaten carp ( not the Asian variety) and it was pretty good. I don't think the Asian variety would be much different when cooked or smoked. The problem with the Asian Carp is that there are way too many all at once. These eating machines destroy habitat by the second. I hear ya about the wasting money part. Instead of trying to poison and block them off with nets and what not, usually killing off a bunch of native fish, the gov. should put them to some use. They make great fertilizer, can be used to feed the homeless, food for the zoo's, fish pellets for fish farmers and people are making purses out of fish skin so why not an exotic purse or wallet? I'm sure once the gov. get's tired of fighting a losing battle they will look at the many venues and possible cash production these carp are capable of doing. Like they say, " if you can't beat them, make 'em work for you." or something like that. ; ) ~good luck catchin'
Flying Fish
