How Your Pets Can Help Combat the Invasive Carp Invasion Across the U.S.

The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is exploring an innovative idea: turning invasive carp into pet food. By doing this, they hope to tackle the growing carp population while benefiting the environment, economy, and even pet nutrition. But for this to work, cooperation across the industry is essential.

In the U.S., there are four types of invasive carp: silver, black, bighead, and grass. These fish were initially brought in during the 1970s to help control algae in ponds. However, they escaped and quickly spread, outcompeting native fish and disrupting local ecosystems reliant on fishing and recreation.

Julia Kurnik from WWF noted, “It’s almost impossible to eradicate carp from the U.S. They’re too widespread.” Instead, she suggests using market forces to minimize their impact.

A Nutritious Alternative

While carp is popular in other countries, it faces stigma in the U.S. due to its bone structure, which makes it less desirable for filleting. However, it has potential as a pet food ingredient. Some niche producers are already using silver carp for dog foods. Kurnik points out that veterinarians believe carp is a healthy protein option—low in allergens and rich in essential nutrients like Omega-3s, phosphorus, calcium, and vitamins A, D, and E.

Sustainable Pet Food

Pet food production is generally sustainable; many large brands use byproducts from human food. However, as demand rises, the supply of these byproducts is not keeping up. Kurnik warns that this could lead to farming animals solely for pet food, increasing environmental harm. Invasive carp can provide a new protein source, helping to lessen reliance on other ingredients, like soy, which is linked to deforestation.

Economic Benefits

If carp becomes a regular ingredient in pet food, it could help Midwest fishermen struggling against these invasive species. Currently, they earn about 10 cents per pound for carp compared to 50 to 60 cents for native fish. Developing a market for carp could boost local incomes and curb the fish’s spread, protecting sensitive areas like the Great Lakes.

Moving Forward

Despite its promise, there have been obstacles in making invasive carp a mainstream pet food ingredient. Kurnik describes it as a “chicken-and-egg problem”—no large processors exist to supply big pet food companies, yet without those companies’ commitment, processors won’t invest. Currently, small businesses are trying niche markets, but they struggle without a consistent carp supply.

WWF aims to bridge this gap, bringing together pet food makers and processors to create a cooperative effort. Kurnik believes that because carp cannot be eradicated, the risk for investors is low. Formal research supports this claim, and interest in this project is rising.

By turning invasive carp into a resource rather than a threat, we might not only protect ecosystems but also create new opportunities. It’s a creative solution that addresses both environmental and economic challenges.

For more information on invasive carp and their impact, you can visit the U.S. Geological Survey and the WWF report.

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