CHICAGO, Ill. – As far as the Illinois Department of Natural Resources is concerned, it’s not “Asian Carp” anymore.
The DNR says after more than two years of research, the name “Copi,” short for “Copious,” came up as a brand new name for the fish. But, there are some reasons for that.
“It is clear that, although we cannot likely eradicate these species, harvest can prevent the spread, and it’s one of the strongest tools we have to reduce populations of Asian Carp in areas where they are dominating,” said Kevin Irons, IDNR Assistant Chief of Fisheries. “Harvest can significantly lower densities in populations of these carp.”
Irons says as much as 70 percent of the “bio-mass” or weight of fish in the Illinois River is Asian Carp.
The agency is encouraging restaurants to use more of the carp in dishes — described as mild and clean-tasting, with plenty of Omega 3’s and low levels of mercury.
But, beyond that?
“We’re going to develop a ‘Copi-collaborative,’” said Irons. “It’s not a DNR initiative. It’s not a marketing initiative. It’s going to be fishers, and industry, and restaurateurs, and distributors working together. And, why wouldn’t they work together with this name to eat well, do good, both on the plate, and in our society.”
A renaming, the DNR says, was successful for Orange Roughy, which was once known as “slimehead.”
CLICK HERE for more about the new “Copi” awareness campaign.
(Illinois Department of Natural Resources/Span Studio)
