UPPER MARLBORO, Md. — What's in a name? Nothing good for the snakehead fish.
But a Maryland state senator recently amended a bill to rename the Northern Snakehead, an invasive species, in hopes of convincing more people to eat them. “Chesapeake Channa” is the latest name some legislators hope will replace the snakehead’s name.
"This bill seeks to encourage consumption of the snakehead and better manage its population by giving the snakehead a new name,” said Southern Maryland Senator Jack Bailey in a hearing supporting his bill.
Bailey’s original proposal called for calling snakeheads “Patuxent Fish."
That sparked a petition drive in opposition that attracted signatures from people objecting to linking the name of one of Maryland’s most historic and environmentally sensitive rivers to an invasive species from China.
“There's lots of cultural significance and so forth,” said Patuxent Riverkeeper Fred Tutman. “To stigmatize it with an invasive outsider - a fish that doesn't really belong here - that's a little harsh.”
Tutman said “Chesapeake Channa” is a better choice because it relates to the species scientific name Channa Argus and might actually look interesting on a menu.
“I like that! Pass the Channa honey, please pass the Channa," Tutman mused, testing out the proposed name.
Snakeheads continue to expand their range in the Chesapeake region after originally appearing in a Crofton, Maryland pond in 2002.
A study in the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge showed the invasion of snakeheads had a significant impact on the populations of native fish. Snakeheads have become a popular sport fish, but authorities remain concerned about the increasing population and range.
The name change is intended to make the fish more attractive in restaurants and markets, increasing the demand for commercial fishermen to target them for population control.
Most people who try the fish declare the light, white meat is delicious. Some compare snakehead to native rockfish and yellow perch, which are regional delicacies.
Chef Zach Mills, of the True Chesapeake Oyster Company restaurant in Baltimore, has made headlines with his snakehead recipes.
But the commercial market for the fish remains in its infancy.
When it first appeared in Maryland, some scientists called snakeheads “Frankenfish,” because of their ability to survive for long periods out of water, an ability to migrate across muddy flats with no water at all, and a fearsome toothy appearance.
The pattern on the fish is similar to a python.
“If you don’t know better and see one in the water, you’ll think it’s a snake,” said recreational fisherman Mac McCloud, who was fishing on the Patuxent at Wayson’s Corner Friday.
The bill to rename snakeheads “Chesapeake Channa” has not received a final vote.
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said he is open to a name change if it will help create economic opportunity and protect the environment.
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