EASTON, MD — The invasive blue catfish has wreaked havoc in the Chesapeake Bay and local waterways, consuming everything from crabs to oysters to rockfish. In response, the state of Maryland has adopted a unique approach: encouraging residents to consume the fish before it devours the bay's ecosystem. One restaurant leading this initiative is Headwaters Seafood and Grill in Easton.
Opened in 2019, Headwaters Seafood and Grill recognized the invasive nature of the blue catfish and decided to incorporate it into their menu. Owner Clay Buritsch explained, "Back in 2019 when we first opened, we saw that it had become invasive, the blue catfish, so we decided to put it on, try it out on the menu." The decision has proven successful, with the restaurant ordering catfish on a weekly basis due to its growing popularity.
Chef James Wise plays a crucial role in transforming the invasive fish into a delectable dish. "In the process of making it, we take it from the buttermilk batter, we dip it into a dry seafood batter, batter it up real nice and 5 minutes in the fryer," explains Wise. Alongside the fillet, the menu features a catfish of fish cake, a creative twist on the classic crab cake. "The fish cake is mayo, you got mustard, Old Bay, a little lemon juice, chopped onions, and bread crumbs," Wise adds. And of course, wild blue catfish.
As the popularity of blue catfish rises on Delmarva, the Maryland Department of Agriculture is encouraging more restaurants and individuals to embrace this solution. Matthew Scales, the Seafood Marketing Director at the Maryland Department of Agriculture, emphasizes the importance of consuming blue catfish to mitigate its impact on the ecosystem. "This is a problem in the bay. They're eating the crabs, oysters, other fish; they're eating birds and mallards right. And we have do our part in eating our way out of this problem," says Scales.
The initiative offers a quick and easy dish that not only satisfies taste buds but also contributes to the conservation of the Chesapeake Bay. As more restaurants join the cause, the hope is that increased consumption will help curb the blue catfish population and protect the delicate balance of the region's aquatic ecosystem.
For the Maryland Department of Agriculture's catfish recipes click here.