Introduced to the Virginia end of the Chesapeake Bay in the 1970s, the Blue Catfish is now considered an invasive species, rapidly expanding through Maryland’s rivers and outcompeting native fish for food and habitat.
These highly adaptable predators feed on blue crab, menhaden, American eel, and other economically and ecologically important species. They can now be found in most of Maryland’s tidal and non‑tidal rivers—and even throughout the Bay itself—where their broad diet and fast growth give them a significant advantage.
As their population continues to surge, the spread of Blue Catfish has become a major concern for scientists, watermen, and fisheries managers. Their impact on native species of the Bay has sparked intense debate about how best to respond to this growing ecological challenge.
We have found two inspirational speakers for our June Lecture on the Shore event on the Blue Catfish dilemma. Dr. Noah Bressman from Salisbury University to speak on how this species got out of control and the impact this has had on the Bay, and Nick Hargrove, the waterman/entrepreneur from Tilghman Island who sees an opportunity in solving the problem.
What to Expect:
For this Lecture on the Shore, we are kicking off our first event at a new venue some might remember from Aspen Institute days, the Temple B’Nai Israel off the Easton By-Pass.
For those selecting the Reception & Lecture option, we’ll start the evening off with a reception with the presentors at 5:30pm. Expect to enjoy wines and hors d’oeuvres served up by Piazza Italian Market before taking reserved seats for the program from 6:30 to 8pm.
For those selecting the Lecture Only option, your evening will start with the presentation at 6:30pm with a choice of attending IN PERSON or via LIVESTREAM.
In both cases, we’ll finish up with a participative Q&A at the end from which you can draw your own conclusions: threat, opportunity, or both!
Thursday, June 25 (at the Temple B’Nai Israel, 7199 Tristan Drive, Easton, MD)
5:30-8pm | RECEPTION & LECTURE | $60
OR
6:30-8pm | LECTURE ONLY (IN-PERSON or LIVESTREAM) | $40
