Silver Carp
Nerissa Michaels, 2009, Illinois River Biological Station
Each semester, as part of their final project, many students investigate the impacts that invasive or nonnative species have on ecosystems. Of the hundreds of invasive species that plague our world, students tend to research three main invasives that are found in Ohio: the Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis), Asian Carp (a collection of +9 individual species within the cyprinid family), and the Zebra Mussel (Dreissena polymorpha). Through the invasion of Ohio forests, waterways, and backyards, many of our students have personally experienced the destruction that these species are capable of. Although their impacts can cause feelings of concern, disgust, or even intrigue, invasive species most readily burden people monetarily. Zebra Mussels alone have caused millions of dollars in damage by obstructing pipes; significantly contributing to the $200 million cost that the Great Lakes Region spends annually to control and manage nonnative species.
The Cost of Invasive Species
Zebra Muscles
The Stockbridge Bowl Association
The negative impacts of invasive species is far reaching. It is estimated that alien species cost the United States more than $120 billion in damages each year. In addition to this steep economic burden, invasives are cited by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as a “leading cause of population decline and extinction in animals”. (View the Cost of Invasives Fact Sheet)
Some Solutions
While many management strategies have been suggested, none appeal to the senses quite like the suggestion of digestion. By no means a “silver bullet”, creating a market for harvesting invasive species for human consumption has enormous potential. Not only would we be implementing a strategy to control invasive species but also one that would help us feed the exponentially growing human population. A story by NPR suggested that eating invasive fish species, like the Lionfish and Asian Carp, would be beneficial to our health and the environment. (Read the story – NPR, In a Fish-Eat-Fish World, Order Asian Carp and Lionfish To Save The Planet)
Good humor has sprung up in the wake of this movement. Organizations like “Eat the Invaders”, pledge to “explore the most delicious methods of controlling invasive species”. Their website divides species by land, sea, or freshwater, details the species’s ecology, how they came to invade the United States, and offers some tasty recipes. Not into fish or crab? Eat The Invaders also has plenty of vegetarian options to take care of various invasive flora. (Learn more about Eat The Invader)
Eat The Invaders Homepage featuring a story on Lionfish, 2014
Creating a market for invasive species has had mixed results. The Lionfish, which invaded the Gulf of Mexico, and the Giant Tiger Prawn have successfully been turned into gourmet food. These markets have been successful in decreasing populations in invaded habitats. The same cannot be said for Asian Carp. Repeated attempts to establish a domestic market for Asian Carp have never been successful. Are American consumers simply not interested? Or do the unaesthetic Asian Carp suffer from bad PR? (Read The Washington Post’s exploration of the topic)
Every management strategy has its challenges. However, that does not mean that the method should not be implemented. Instead it should stand to compliment a myriad of approaches. With a little creativity, today’s invasive species list could be tomorrow’s menu.
View the Global Invasive Species Database’s top 100 list of the World’s Worst Invasive Alien Species. You may find some appetizing selections.
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