Saving The Great Lakes From Asian Carp

Chicago Tribune:

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) — If you can't beat 'em, eat 'em.

That's what Illinois environmentalists, researchers and policymakers are saying about Asian carp.

A Wednesday meeting focused on innovative solutions to stop the invasive carp, including by heavily fishing waterways and eating them. [..]

Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon says immediate actions are needed to save native species and stop Asian carp from reaching the Great Lakes.

But Asian Carp is a difficult sell, so far:

Part of the Asian carp’s poor image stems from its name. It’s often confused with the common carp, a bottom feeder with a flavor sometimes referred to as “muddy.”

The Asian carp, in fact, is a clean fish that feeds on plankton and algae in the upper water of rivers. It’s rich in protein and low in mercury because it doesn’t eat other fish.

The tender flesh lacks a “fishy” taste, so it easily absorbs the flavors of sauces, spices and herbs cooked with it.

“This fish is so good, I’d take it over tilapia,” said chef Philippe Parola of Baton Rouge, La., who has conducted Asian carp cooking demonstrations in Illinois in conjunction with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ “Target Hunger Now!” program. The initiative encourages hunters and anglers to donate deer and Asian carp to food banks in Illinois.

On the off chance you're not familiar with Asian Carp, take a look at them wreaking havoc. They can reach 50lbs. Imagine getting smacked in the head by one of the big ones.

Comments

[A Bear]

From wikipedia:
On June 22, 2010, a 19-pound Asian carp was found near the shore of Lake Michigan, in Lake Calumet, about six miles downstream from Lake Michigan, by a commercial fisherman hired by the state of Illinois to do routine fish sampling in the area.[34] The fish confirms DNA evidence that Asian carp have indeed breached the electric fish barrier on the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal.

If correct does this mean Asian Carp have already reached the Great Lakes?

[Dr X]

Not quite there yet, but it's alarming because that one was beyond the electric barrier. Lots of doubts about that barrier.

http://chicagoist.com/2012/05/05/not_shocking_power_outage_shuts_dow.php

[A Bear]

I'm sure that commercial and sports fishers in the Great Lakes Basin are nervous.
Is there even a commercial fishery for these fish? If you see the videos it looks they aren't that hard to catch.
It's easy enough to fish out even the most prodigious stocks as the Atlantic Cod it seems, why not encourage a fishery for this species?

[democommie]

Make them an endangered species. There will be an entire industry built around "Carpboats", baiting/lure technology and clandestine tournaments within weeks. Better, yet, let Teddy Teabags Nugent know that they're "furriners" and he'll be out there killin' 'em with his "Wango Tango" machine gunz.

[A Bear]

democommie; A new sport with water skiers with barbed ice picks fending off airborne fish? Maybe a group of powerboats circling schools of fish and wingshooting jumping fish, not only exciting but dangerous too!
All good ideas but traditional gill net and seine fishing technology would seem a more reliable solution.