NIU STEM Cafe will sponsor a discussion titled The Trouble with Asian Carp this Thursday from 6pm-8pm at Tapa La Luna in downtown DeKalb. NIU STEM Cafe invites you to join Illinois Department of Natural Resources expert Vic Santucci, from the Aquatic Nuisance Species Program to find out what’s being done about this invasive species and discuss what other areas have done to make their aquatic nuisances more marketable.

Santucci will discuss how Asian carp made it to the U.S. and entered Illinois rivers, what problems they’re causing for native species and nature lovers, and how the DNR is planning to reduce and remove the Asian carp population. Several companies within Illinois are interested in expanding harvest of Asian carp for global markets where it is considered a delicacy, as well as developing carp solutions that include domestic markets and support of humanitarian aid where high quality protein is desired.

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