(KMOX) - Wildlife organizations across the US are changing the name of four types of imported fish that are commonly referred to as "Asian carp." The species known to destroy water ecosystems across the country will now be called "invasive carp."
Minnesota state Sen. Foung Hawj and Sen. John Hoffman first got the name approved for all state agencies in 2014, despite backlash from the late radio commentator Rush Limbaugh, who ridiculed it as political correctness. The politicians say they wanted the change after seeing signs at an airport that read "Kill Asian Carp," which was meant to spread awareness about the invasive species.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service quietly changed its designation to “invasive carp” in April, according to the Associated Press. Many other conservation agencies across the US will be making the change later this year.
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The Missouri Dept. of Conservation still used the term "Asian carp" on a page that describes the grass, black, bighead, and silver carp species found in the state. Although the now controversial label isn't featured prominently and is only used once on the page.
Those fish were introduced to the US as early as 1831 and are known as "one of the most widespread and abundant large fishes in the state."
The state of Illinois and partner organizations have a media campaign in the works to highlight the positives of the fish that are “sustainably wild, surprisingly delicious."
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