海角大神

In the United States alone, there are of invasive plants and animals that can cause harm to the environment, the economy, agriculture, and human health.聽A study from the University of Cornell that these species cost the U.S. more than US$120 billion per year in damages and expenses associated with control and management. But they聽may also be a tasty source of food.

Eating invasive species is one way to control populations, raise awareness about the issue, and provide sustainable sources of food.

Matthew Barnes, an ecologist at Texas Tech University and the editor of , believes that eating invasive species can raise awareness about the issue, which could have a broader effect than just reducing these species by eating them. In an with Smithsonian.com, he explains that the real value of eating invasive species is a public education and awareness tool. 鈥淚f people are aware of what invasive species are and what kind of impacts they have on the environment, that might prevent them from introducing the next invasive species,鈥� he said.

Here are six initiatives that are encouraging eaters to consume invasive species in the U.S.

Can鈥檛 Beat 鈥楨m, Eat 鈥楨m

Louisiana chef聽聽is encouraging diners to chow down on invasive species. With his years of culinary experience, he has a knack for turning less appetizing critters like nutria and alligators into delicious dishes. A few years ago, he took aim at the Asian carp and formed the , a campaign to rebrand this undesirable fish as a nutritious and affordable delicacy. The efforts are intended to help fishers safely harvest and sell Asian carp while creating consumer demand for the fish.

Eat The Invaders

provides an overview of efforts promoting eating invasive species, including recipes and of the latest news or research. There鈥檚 also a聽 of invasions and a list of questions for people interesting in hunting or harvesting invasive species鈥攊ncluding why eaters shouldn鈥檛 consume zebra mussels or pythons, and how to help prevent the spread of invasives in other ways.

Eating Aliens

Hunter and聽 Jackson Landers set his sights on invasive species in his 2012 book,聽Eating Aliens. He spent 16 months hunting invasives such as black spiny-tailed iguanas and European green crabs. His book teaches readers that hunting these harmful species can be a tasty way to help make a dent in this problem.

Eradication by Mastication

The Institute for Applied Ecology started the campaign to increase public awareness and support the fight against invasive species. Their efforts focus on species such as bullfrogs, wild turkey, wild boar, garlic mustard, Himalayan blackberry, and kudzu. Two of the biggest components of the campaign are the and , an invasive species cookbook. The annual cookoff, held in Corvallis, Oregon, invites amateur chefs to show off their best dish featuring a local invasive. The institute鈥檚 cookbook is a great place to find inspiration, as it features 50 recipes from well-known chefs.聽

Invasive Lionfish

The Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute created a聽 dedicated to informing people about the threat posed by lionfish in the Atlantic Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Caribbean Sea. The site busts myths about lionfish, keeps tabs on the latest studies on control methods, and outlines the plans in place to manage the species. A major focus is how to fight the invasion by eating lionfish. There鈥檚 a聽 full of recipes featuring lionfish, as well as a聽 of restaurants that are serving lionfish on their menus.

Invasivore.org

A group of biologists developed聽 to serve as a guide to eating invasive species. The site is more than a collection of harvesting tips and recipes. It keeps readers informed about new research and developments, provides details about prominent species, and presents the strategies in place to manage invasives.

This article first appeared at .