Maryland currently views the blue catfish as an invasive species and there are no limits in size or creel on them. Fillet portions (3 oz, 4oz, 8oz), whole-fish, gutted or un-gutted are available upon request from buyers. The blue catfish (Ictalurus furcatus) is the largest species of North American catfish, reaching a length of 165 cm (65 in) and a weight of 68 kg (150 lb).The typical length is about 25–46 in (64–117 cm). cathyliu@umd.edu Why Are They Invasive? The fillets have more healthy fats (unsaturated 75%) than unhealthy ones (saturated 25%). These results confirm that the methyl mercury and PCBs levels of Chesapeake Bay Blue Catfish (15-36 inches long) are much lower than the FDA and EPA Safety Levels in Regulations and Guidance for commercial seafood (FDA, 2020). Food and Drug Administration (FDA, 2020). Blue catfish can be found in the waters of many states—both coastal and inland. extension.umd.edu Its smooth skin lacks scales. During the 1970s and 1980s, they were introduced to the James, Rappahannock, and York river basins in Virginia as a new recreational fishery. An opportunistic and adaptable apex predator, the blue catfish was foolishly introduced in the 1970s as fodder for recreational fisherman. Available at http://health.gov/dietaryguidelines/2015/guidelines/. They are bottom-dwellers that prefer large rivers with deep channels, swift currents, and sandy bottoms. Eat Healthy and Support Virginia’s Economy While Enjoying Fresh Virginia Seafood, Facts About the Virginia Seafood Industry 2018, 2018 Virginia Commercial Landings Figures, Landings and Value of Top 20 Virginia Species 2017. A distinguishing feature of the blue catfish is that the anal fin margin, or edge, is straight as if it has been clipped with scissors. Available at: https://www.chesapeakebay.net/documents/workshop_catfish_report_final_pdf.pdf In fact, it may be tastier than any catfish you’ve ever had. Therefore, eating Blue Catfish might just be the tastiest ways to help save the Bay. They have been documented interfering with gill net fisheries, such as striped bass. They croak like pigs. Regional and national tournaments are held annually on the James River, and the Potomac River is nearly a year-round hotspot for catfish angling. Schloesser, R.W., Fabrizio, M. C., Latour, R. J. et al. VIMS Marine Resource Report No. But in some areas, blue catfish can pose major challenges. The Blue Catfish are native to the Mississippi, Missouri, and Ohio river drainages but were introduced in the James, York, and Rappahannock rivers to establish recreational fisheries Blue Catfish to spread throughout the inland waters and its tributaries of Chesapeake Bay. Commercial watermen in Maryland and Virginia harvested more than 5 million pounds of Blue Catfish in 2017 (Jerry Jackson / Baltimore Sun). There is an amazing variety of catfish to be found, both farm-raised and wild. 06/07/2019. Blue catfish are a tasty and nutritious fish, so the Management Strategy recommends that the Chesapeake Bay states focus on developing and expanding commercial fisheries for blue catfish. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12237-017-0307-1 This will result in greater numbers of catfish harvested from the system and available for processing market and consumers. State natural resource managers know blue catfish have had an adverse impact on the bay ever since the fish were introduced to the James, Rappahannock and York Rivers during the 1970s and 1980s. Many anglers like fishing for blue catfish because they are strong, savvy fish that are a good challenge. Recreational fishermen in other areas, particularly those where blue catfish are native, also enjoy angling for these fish. Fabrizio, M.C., Tuckey, T.D., Latour, R.J. et al. Up close and in person, blue catfish are gruesome creatures. Chengchu Liu (University of Maryland-AGNR-UME Sea Grant Extension) Older and larger fish can accumulate higher levels of PCBs and methyl-mercury chemical contaminants. Blue Catfish (Ictalurus furcatus) is the Largest Species of Catfish in North America Blue catfish were introduced to a few rivers in the Chesapeake Bay watershed decades ago. Blue catfish are native to the Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, and Rio Grande river basins. Watermen are encouraged to commercially harvest Chesapeake Bay Blue Catfish. Chesapeake Bay Blue Catfish products prepared for distribution in commerce for use as human food are routinely inspected by the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) under the Federal Meat Inspection Act (USDA, 2018). Estuaries and Coasts 41, 827–840 (2018). 2008, Geneva. The fillets also contain vitamin D and potassium but provide negligible amounts of trans fat. Blue catfish represent up to three-quarters of the biomass in the James, Rappahannock and York rivers on Virginia’s western shore of the Chesapeake Bay (Schloesser et al. But they can tolerate water that is not completely fresh. Cooking is the best way to control microbial contaminants (bacteria, virus and parasite). Blue Catfish also eat crab, fish, crayfish, clams, mussels, frogs, and other readily available aquatic food sources, which play an important role in our ecosystem and economy. Omega-3 fats enhance infant brain development and health outcomes. But now, thanks to marketing efforts, particularly in Maryland, the commercial fishery for blue catfish in the Chesapeake Bay is ramping up. Virginia Wild-Caught Blue Catfish: Nutrition and Contaminant Analysis. These catfish have quickly spread throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed into nearly every major tributary. There is minimal bycatch. Blue catfish, which can grow to lengths of 5 feet, were released into Virginia’s Bay tributaries in the 1970s as part of an effort to build a sport fishery. Luellen, D.R., LaGuardia, M.J., Tuckey, T.D. It was thought that these fish only lived in very fresh water. Rice can catch up to 1,200 pounds of blue catfish. While both fish are long-lived and fast-growing, it’s the blue catfish that is the major problem. Like Most Fish Species, Blue Catfish Fillet is High in Protein and Low in Fat and Cholesterol Adults usually grow to be less than two feet long but can be up to five feet and weigh more than 100 pounds. University programs, activities, and facilities are available to all without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, national origin, political affiliation, physical or mental disability, religion, protected veteran status, genetic information, personal appearance, or any other legally protected class. 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