Established in 2024, the Invasive Carp Consortium represents the industry’s efforts to develop and market superior carp products for human consumption and animal feeds. Invasive Carp have destroyed ecosystems of rivers and lakes across the United States and devastated the recreational fishing and water sports businesses. By increasing the demand for carp products as a source of protein, the Consortium amplifies the private sector’s commitment to deplete the problematic species and offset negative environmental impacts associated with livestock, aquaculture and feed production.
The Consortium was co-created by World Wildlife Fund and Freshwater Select, in collaboration with Bradley University, Peoria Next Innovation Center and the Midwest Fishing Coop.
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Labeled as Copi in the food industry, invasive carp species have become troublesome in the Illinois River and various other river systems across the Midwest. These carp have negatively impacted the sportfishing industry in rivers and lakes, led to the decimation of recreational water sports, and caused damage to the native ecological balance of aquatic ecosystems throughout the United States. Despite concerted efforts, eradicating them has proven to be impossible.
Given the extensive distribution and prolific nature of the species, eradication through fishing is not a viable option. Instead, focusing on the development of enhanced carp products for human consumption and using them as an alternative protein source for animal feeds can stimulate demand for carp. This approach can lead to a reduction in the carp population while also mitigating the adverse environmental impacts linked to traditional livestock, aquaculture and animal feed production. The Consortium is the first pre-competitive, private sector-led association of supply chain actors involved in the capture, trading, processing and sales of carp products.
The Consortium develops high-quality carp products and boosts their demand, presenting a double win: eradicating the invasive species and mitigating negative impacts of livestock, aquaculture and feed production.
Animal protein production significantly contributes to biodiversity loss, increased greenhouse gas emissions and freshwater usage. The production of feed ingredients, both terrestrial and marine, exacerbates this environmental degradation. The capture and use of invasive carp in the Midwestern U.S. offer a unique opportunity to counteract the adverse effects.
Invasive Carp consume large amounts of plankton, disrupting the natural balance of aquatic ecosystems. This can lead to changes in water quality, affecting the clarity and nutrient levels. Carp can also outcompete and displace native species for food resources. This disruption in the natural food chain has cascading effects on water quality.
Carp fishers can enhance their ability to harvest carp safely and responsibly, meeting market standards. Processors will benefit from higher quality carp, enabling entry into new markets and fostering long-term contracts. Both fishers and processors can receive corporate support for contributing to carp depletion as an ecosystem service.
The direct impact of invasive carp on land conversion may not be as pronounced as their effects on aquatic ecosystems, but their influence on local economies and recreational land use can indirectly contribute to changes in land utilization patterns.
A central tenant of the ICC is to provide education and outreach to support the growth of the market while utilizing sustainable business practices. The Consortium is intended to provide data and transparency into the freshwater fish industry with the goal of creating a more robust, responsible, and transparent food supply chain market.
carp consumption and inclusion in farmed fish, livestock feeds, and pet foods.
local fishers and processors to adapt swiftly to market trends.
regional and national marketing for trusted demand in carp products.
the return of traditional game fish in rivers and lakes.
data, transparency, and quality control into the freshwater fish industry
PEORIA NEXT INNOVATION CENTER
801 West Main Street
Peoria, IL 61606
ADMINISTRATOR
Michael Stubbs,
mstubbs@bradley.edu
