Maryland’s eastern shores are grappling with the rapid rise of an invasive species—the blue catfish. This large fish, which can weigh up to 100 pounds, has been making waves since it was introduced to Virginia rivers in the 1970s for recreational fishing. Originally thought to be confined to a small area due to the salty waters, blue catfish found a new home in Maryland’s brackish waters after heavy rainfall, leading to a significant impact on local fish populations, including blue crabs and rockfish. Second-grader Ben Rochon aptly summed up the situation, saying, “It’s yummy.”
Innovative School Lunch Initiative Targets Invasive Fish
With no natural predators to keep their numbers in check, state officials recognized the need for a solution to restore balance to the local ecosystem. Enter Beth Brewster, the food service supervisor for Caroline County Public Schools, who was tasked with a unique challenge: to incorporate this invasive fish into school lunches.
In response, Brewster created the “catty patty,” a crab cake-style fish patty made from blue catfish, which has received USDA approval for school cafeterias. The fish’s diet of local crabs and rockfish contributes to its surprisingly sweet and flaky meat, making it a hit among students.
Local fishermen are actively harvesting blue catfish year-round, with no catch limits in place, and the fish is being served in schools across Maryland and Virginia. The response from students has been overwhelmingly positive, with many enjoying the new addition to their lunch trays.
While it’s likely that blue catfish will remain a part of the local waters, as long as it continues to be a tasty option for school lunches, it will have a consistent presence in the meals of Maryland’s children.
