Would you eat Kentucky Tuna? [Video]
Submitted by roman on Wed, 2010-07-14 13:28
In the United States, Asian carp is an invasive species, i.e. not native. And when you abruptly introduce a foreign species – either plant or animal – into a existing ecosystem it usually wreaks havoc.
And the Asian carp is doing just that.
The fish is thriving in places like Kentucky and Illinois, so fishermen looking to catch catfish end up snagging more carp than catfish, which wouldn’t be a problem if it was easy to sell.
Asian carp’s reputation as a foreign invader is a turnoff to consumers.
So Kentucky State University has a brilliant – or totally idiotic – idea. Last night, Stephen Colbert reported that researchers from the university want to rename Asian carp, changing it to “Kentucky Tuna.” They hope the name change will be the public relations bump Asian carp needs.
I’m still cracking up over “Street Veal” and “Sink Lobster” – freaking hilarious!
If you’re wondering why a potentially destructive species was brought to the U.S. in the first place, it was done with good intentions…I guess. Carp were introduced in order to clean up algae in catfish ponds. Carp are bottom feeders.
And actually it’s because carp eat the junk at the bottom of ponds that might be their saving grace, not the silly name change; consuming algae means “Kentucky Tuna” is low in mercury and a good source of omega-3 fatty acids.
Artical by: Gerald "Gerry" Pugliese
Source: http://www.organicauthority.com/blog/the-environment/asian-carp-gets-a-new-name-kentucky-tuna/
Image Source:
Image 1: Photo By the Associated PressInvasive species of Asian carp have spread through parts of Louisiana, raising fears that if the fish aren't kept in check, there will not be enough plankton in state waters for other fish species. Researchers at Kentucky State University are hoping to get Asian carp on more dinner plates.
Image 2: Photo By the Associated PressThis early Dec. 2009 photo provided by the Illinois River Biological Station shows Illinois River silver carp jump out of the water after being disturbed by sounds of watercraft. Many fear that the Asian carp, which can reach 4 feet long and weigh up to 100 pounds, will wreak havoc, not by attacking native fish, but starving them out by gobbling up plankton.
I have included a promotional video I came across on youtube, relating to this effort of trying to improve this invaders’ image or is it more a case of "a taste perception"?
