From the AP via NPR: New Federal Policy Aims to Expand US Fish Farming

Check out this AP article on NPR about a new Federal policy that is intended to expand fish farming in the US and increase consumption of local seafood over imported seafood.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=137756732

Chef Philippe's ANSTF Meeting Summary and Response

Chef Philippe Parola has released his Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force (ANSTF) Summary & Response paper. CLICK HERE to view it on Chef Philippe's website.

New Photos from Arkansas ANSTF Meeting & Silverfin Media Blitz

On May 3, 2011, Chef Philippe Parola attended the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force (ANSTF) meeting workshop where he presented his solution to the Asian carp problem and cooked Asian carp for ANSTF members to taste. SEE PHOTOS

On May 4, 2011, with the help of Arkansas' very own Steve "Wild Man" Wilson, Chef Philippe participated in a Silverfin Craze media blitz where he promoted Asian carp as an edible species of fish, talked about his solution to the Asian carp problem, let media members taste Asian carp, and promoted the SilverfinCraze.com website.SEE PHOTOS

The trip was a great success! Chef Philippe was hosted by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission for this trip, and they were excellent hosts. After spending several days with the AGFC staff, it is clear that they not only support Chef Philippe's plan for controlling the Asian carp population but also are very dedicated to their jobs and to the State of Arkansas' wildlife and environment. The people of Arkansas are fortunate to have such committed people working for the cause.

Asian Carp Flying Straight to the Dinner Plate

Arkansas Game and Fish Commission

2 Natural Resources Drive
Little Rock, AR 72205

May 3, 2011 

Asian carp flying straight to the dinner plate

They’re good to eat, offer a large meal, and are literally jumping in boats across Arkansas. Although silver carp and bighead carp have the moniker “rough fish,” they can be just as tasty as many other species served at dinner tables across the nation. Best of all, by eating your fill, you’re actually helping keep Arkansas waters healthy.

            Silver and bighead carp were imported into the U.S. in the 1970s as a food fish and to control plankton in aquaculture ponds and sewage treatment lagoons. Within 10 years, the carp escaped confinement and spread throughout the Mississippi River Basin and other large rivers. Today, they’re classified as a nuisance in 23 states.

            Silver and bighead carp have made quite a spectacle, as they have the peculiar habit of jumping out of the water when startled by boat traffic. Some of these flying fish can weigh more than 40 pounds, and can inflict injuries to boaters and skiers when they collide. In addition to this danger, these fish also feed heavily on the plankton in a lake or river, which is the base of the entire food chain. Left unchecked, they may cause entire fisheries to collapse.

            Catching silver and bighead carp is primarily done by snagging below dams and using commercial nets, and there is no limit on how many you can keep. Despite these incentives, commercial anglers have not cashed in on this species because few people have discovered how good they taste. Although they’re a staple in Asian fish markets, the nearest market that sells these carp is in Memphis, Tenn.

            The AGFC is hoping to attract a few taste buds to these fish with the help of Chef Philippe Parola (www.chefphilippe.com and www.silverfincraze.com), a French chef who specializes in the fish he calls, “silverfin.”

            Catfish-processing facilities throughout the Mississippi River Basin are feeling the sting of high prices associated with rising fuel costs and decreased production. The “silverfin” alternative may just be the answer to this problem.

Additional Resources:

• Mark Oliver, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Chief of Fisheries

501-351-5228 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            501-351-5228      end_of_the_skype_highlighting

mloliver@agfc.state.ar.us

• Tom Swan, Commercial Fisherman

501-940-2769 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            501-940-2769      end_of_the_skype_highlighting

• Chef Philippe Parola

225-315-5111 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            225-315-5111      end_of_the_skype_highlighting

www.chefphilippe.com and www.silverfincraze.com

• Columbia Environmental Research Center of the U.S. Geological Survey

http://tinyurl.com/USGSasiancarp

Silverfin and Chef Philippe at ANSTF Meeting in Little Rock, AR

The first week of may, Chef Philippe Parola will be at the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force (ANSTF) meeting in Little Rock Arkansas.  On Tuesday, May 3, 2011 he will be cooking Asian carp at a related event (get the press release here). On Wednesday, May 4, Chef Philippe will participate in Wild Wednesday with the Little Rock media (see the details here).

Asian Carp Tasting and Media Outing

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


FLYING FISH – GREAT DISH!
Asian Carp Tasting Media Outing

Tuesday, May 3, 2010, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Witt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center
602 President Clinton Ave., Little Rock, Arkansas

Asian carp are non-native fish invading lakes and rivers in the Mississippi River and Great Lakes regions. These fish jump clear out the water when disturbed by boat traffic causing serious threat to boaters and anglers. They filter tremendous amounts of small plants and animals (plankton) from the water reducing the amount of food available to native fish species.

By dining on these invasive fish and requesting more from you local grocery store or fish market, you can help reduce their numbers and their overall impact on our native species.

You are invited to see and learn about this flying fish and sample the recipes of Chef Philippe Parola of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Chef Philippe Parola has made it his personal campaign to educate the public about the edibility of the Asian carp. In Chef Philippe’s words, Asian carp is “Simply Delicieux!”

This event is sponsored by the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission. Contact Steve “Wild Man” Wilson at (501) 351-6596 for more information.

Download full press release here.
Download Hi-Res Flyer here.

Hoop Net Fishing for Asian Silver Carp

Chef Philippe Parola recently spent a morning with commercial fishermen Rusty Kimble and Preston Terrell hoop net fishing for Asian silver carp on the Red River near Simmesport, LA. Check out the videos and photos from that expedition!  See the videos here and the pics here.