Petition

Dear Legislator,

As a Maryland citizen, resident or recreational user of the Patuxent watershed, I am deeply concerned about an initiative to rename the invasive Northern Snakehead as the “Patuxent Fish”. The Northern Snakehead, which is native to easternmost Asia, including Russia, North and South Korea and China, is an invasive nuisance species that threatens the ecological health and balance of several Maryland rivers.

The species we have in the Bay is Channa argus -but formally linking the name and reputation of Snakehead to a particular river-- potentially stigmatizes that waterway and presents a confusing scenario where the public could assume there is something onerous or unsavory about the river overall, as well as the other marine life that live in it. If the aim is to widen public awareness of the invasive species as a gamefish or edible delicacy, then there are any number of other enticing names that might be applied for marketing and public education purposes. Perhaps Channa Fish?

At any rate, please take to heart my concern that sources from my love and appreciation of Maryland’s Patuxent River for its various contributions to Natural and American history, tourism, science, its fisheries, as well as its deep significance to Maryland life and culture. Please abandon the idea of naming this invasive fish the “Patuxent fish”.

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