Maryland is facing a challenge in its waterways with the invasion of certain fish species: blue catfish, flathead catfish and Chesapeake Channa (formerly known as snakehead). These invasive species are not just a nuisance; they pose a threat to the Chesapeake Bay’s delicate ecosystem.
The blue catfish, introduced in the 1970s in Virginia’s James River as a trophy fish, has particularly become a problem, consuming local seafood like blue crabs, Eastern oysters, striped bass and even ducks! The flathead catfish, brought to the James River in the 1960s for recreational fishing, also adds to the issue. And the Chesapeake Channa, native to parts of Asia, likely found its way into our waters via exotic aquariums.
“We have to eat our way out of this problem,” says Matthew Scales, seafood marketing director at the Maryland Department of Agriculture. And that’s exactly what Maryland is trying to do with a series of initiatives aimed at increasing the demand for these invasive fish species.
Since the fall of 2023, there’s been significant progress, with blue catfish being featured more frequently on menus and in retail stores. The effort to control these species is a collaborative one, involving state agencies, non-profits, the seafood industry and watermen.
“We’re hoping to at least be able to keep their numbers somewhat in check so they don’t completely eat up all of the native species — crabs, Rockfish, Shad, and other native species to the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay,” says Rocky Rice, a fourth-generation Charles County waterman, who has adapted his business to primarily catching blue catfish.
Maryland’s watermen are indeed actively fishing for these invasive species. The Chesapeake Channa, for example, is found more easily in the spring and early summer but hides in tall grass beds as fall approaches. One surprising fact about these fish is their taste. “Consumers are shocked at how good both the blue catfish and the Chesapeake Channa taste,” Matthew says. Despite any preconceived notions, the meat of these fish is white, clean, versatile and delicious, contrary to their reputation as bottom feeders with a muddy taste.
“[Blue catfish] are not your typical stereotype catfish where people think they’re bottom feeders. It’s a very white filet, a mild fish almost like a Flounder or Whiting. They’re a very good fish to eat,” Rocky says.
Efforts are also underway to “rebrand” these fish. For example, the blue catfish is being marketed as wild-caught Chesapeake blue catfish, avoiding the term “invasive” due to its negative connotations. Recent legislation even officially renamed the snakehead to Chesapeake Channa.
Consumers can visit MarylandsBest.net to find restaurants and retailers carrying blue catfish and to discover recipes they can make at home. Furthermore, the Chesapeake Bay now has the Maryland’s Catfish Trail, showcasing spots for recreational fishing and restaurants featuring blue catfish on their menus.
“If we want to sustain our Bay’s health, and the species that exist in the Bay such as blue crabs and oysters, we need to reduce the biomass of the blue catfish, which is currently around 75%,” Matthew adds.
So let’s get eating and help save the Chesapeake Bay one delicious bite at a time!
Hungry for more? Read about first-generation waterman, Rachel Dean. Learn five ways you can help the Bay.
Sign up for our newsletter and find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
