Preston Elementary School on Maryland’s Eastern Shore has introduced blue catfish sandwiches, nicknamed “catty patties,” to its lunch menu as part of a broader effort to manage an invasive species problem. The dish, made from filleted blue catfish formed into a cake-like patty, has gained traction among students and is now being served a couple of times monthly alongside traditional lunch options.
The blue catfish, a freshwater species native to the Midwest, was originally introduced to Virginia rivers during the 1970s for recreational fishing purposes. State officials believed brackish water in the Chesapeake Bay would prevent the fish from spreading beyond those initial locations. However, the species demonstrated an unexpected ability to tolerate salinity levels. Following record rainfall in Virginia and Maryland in 2018, the fish expanded into new habitats and has since colonized every tidal tributary of the bay in Maryland.
The rapid proliferation of blue catfish has created significant ecological and economic concerns. In some areas, the species comprises approximately 70 percent of total fish biomass. The voracious predators feed on native species including young blue crabs, menhaden, and other forage fish, threatening populations that support Maryland’s seafood industry. Officials have described the situation as a crisis requiring intervention.
Beth Brewster, supervisor of food services for Caroline County Public Schools, developed the catfish recipe in collaboration with her culinary team to meet federal dietary requirements while appealing to student preferences. The recipe earned USDA approval, enabling its use in school districts nationwide. The initiative expanded after the pandemic when Brewster connected with Bay2Tray, a California-based program linking regional seafood with schools. Both Maryland and Virginia school districts now participate in serving blue catfish, positioning human consumption as a practical tool for controlling the invasive population.
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