The pretty ones get all the attention—even when it comes to invasive species. The eye-catching but dangerous lionfish has been grabbing headlines for years. However, there are plenty of less attractive invasive species decimating local marine ecosystems in the U.S. and other parts of the world. And chefs are doing their part to draw attention to the problem.

Whiskered, dull-eyed blue catfish are native to the Ohio and Mississippi river basins, but were introduced to Virginia’s James, Rappahannock and York Rivers in the 1960s as an alternative catch for recreational fisherman. The plan backfired. According to the Chesapeake Bay Program, which focuses on restoration and protection of the region, blue catfish now account for nearly 75 percent of the volume of