In Eddyville, Kentucky, Bow Fishermen Are Making Money From Carp Through Aquatic Protein LLC
Aquatic Protein, LLC., a company that processes carp into fish meal, is now paying bow fishermen for their carp catches in Eddyville, Kentucky.
In addition to providing local fishermen with an additional income stream, this project also protects the environment from overfishing.
LLC Aquatic Protein.
Carp protein powder is produced by Aquatic Protein, LLC.
Two bow fishermen started the company to make money from the carp they caught.
Using the whole fish, including the bones and organs, the protein powder is spray-dried and milled.
Across the country, Aquatic Protein, LLC sells its protein powder online and in stores.
Eddyville’s Carp Harvest
Many lakes and rivers in Eddyville, Kentucky are home to carp.
Bow fishermen target them because they are relatively easy to catch and can be tasty.
Carp are typically harvested by netting. This can be done from the shore or from a boat.
Carp nets are typically large, up to 50 feet in length.
Carp are caught in nets and then brought to shore to be cleaned and processed.
Carp are cleaned and processed similarly to other fish.
Carp have a large number of scales that need to be removed.
Aquatic Protein, LLC’s business model.
Carp fish are harvested and sold by Aquatic Protein, LLC.
As invasive species of carp were taking over Eddyville Lake in Kentucky, two bow fishermen saw an opportunity to make money.
As a catch-and-release company, the fish are not killed but instead returned to the lake.
As a result, the company is able to maintain a sustainable business model while also controlling the lake’s carp population.
Fish is sold by Aquatic Protein, LLC to restaurants, grocery stores, and other businesses that use fish.
By providing a steady supply of freshwater fish to these businesses, the company can meet customer demand and keep prices low.
There are plans to expand the company’s operations to other lakes in Kentucky and beyond.
Aquatic Protein, LLC is well positioned to become a leading supplier of freshwater fish in the future.
How bow fishermen benefit
By selling their catch to Aquatic Protein LLC, bow fishermen can earn a good living.
By removing carp from the lake, the company provides a valuable service to the community.
As a result, the water is kept clean and free from algae blooms that may be harmful to humans and animals.
Discounts on equipment and supplies are also offered to bow fishermen by the company.
Protein-rich and low-fat, carp are a nutritious fish.
Besides being a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, carp can also be baked, fried, and steamed.
Harvesting of carp has an environmental impact
In recent years, the population of carp has exploded in the United States.
Aquatic Protein LLC is working to remove carp from Kentucky Lake, located in Eddyville, Kentucky. Carp are a nuisance to fishermen and a threat to native fish populations.
Bow fishermen are paid for each carp they catch, and the fish is then sold to restaurants and markets.
According to the company, their efforts contribute to improving water quality and benefiting the local economy.
Environmental groups, however, are concerned about the ecological impact of such large-scale harvesting.
It could have unintended consequences to remove carp from the food chain.
As part of their commitment to sustainable fishing practices, the company works with biologists to monitor the effects of their harvest.
Aquatic Protein, LLC’s challenges.
Carp are harvested and processed by Aquatic Protein, LLC for use as fish meal.
Founded in 2014 by two bow fishermen, Andy Denton and Matt Miles, the company takes advantage of Kentucky Lake’s growing population of carp.
The biggest challenge Aquatic Protein has faced since its inception has been finding a consistent supply of carp.
Commercial fishermen catch and sell the company carp, but the fishermen aren’t always able to meet their quotas.
Bad weather or a lack of fish can cause this.
Carps are often full of parasites and bacteria, which makes it difficult to clean and process them.
Aquatic Protein has been successful in harvesting and processing carp into fish meal and other products despite these challenges.
Eddyville, Kentucky will gain even more jobs as the company expands its operations.
Sustainable Carp Harvesting Strategies
In many parts of the world, carp are a popular game fish, and their popularity has led to overfishing.
Sustainable harvesting strategies are essential for ensuring a sustainable supply of carp.
Selective harvesting methods target only certain sizes or age classes of fish as one strategy.
As a result, the population can continue to reproduce and maintain a healthy level of population.
A catch-and-release approach allows anglers to enjoy the sport of fishing while contributing to species conservation.
The importance of sustainability must also be educated to fishermen.
Their catches must be limited in order to protect the long-term health of the carp population. They must also be taught proper catch and release techniques.
By turning a problem into an opportunity, Aquatic Protein LLC is making waves in Eddyville, Kentucky.
In addition to reducing the number of carp in local rivers, they also provide an opportunity for bow fishermen to earn extra income.
If we want to create sustainable solutions for our environment and economy, we need more business models like this.
Aquatic Protein’s example can inspire all of us to use our resources wisely and turn them into something valuable.
Sources: Youtube
