Eat the Invaders on ABC and ABC iview S1E2 – Introducing Australia’s most hated fish, the European Carp, lapping at the edge of enormous culinary potential, while leaving an ecological mess in its wake.
Tony delves into the murky history of how carp were introduced into Australia’s waterways. He learns about the Acclimatisation Societies, groups determined to “furnish” Australia’s landscapes and waterways with foreign plants and animals.
Despite being one of the most eaten fish globally, Australians dismiss carp as tasting like mud. A fisherman on The Coorong teaches Tony that the muddy flavour comes from a stress hormone released if carp aren’t handled carefully. Ngarrindjeri Elder Uncle Moogy shares stories of how the Murray River flowed before colonial manipulation. Tony starts to question whether carp are the real problem – or if humans are to blame.
To change his perspective, two top chefs prepare Tony their favourite carp dishes, attempting to ‘carpvert’ him. But can eating carp really save our waterways? Invasion biologists Phill and Andy discuss the complexities of establishing a larger industry around carp, highlighting both the benefits and challenges.
Back at Mona, Kirsha and Vince elevate carp into a high-end culinary masterpiece. Tony invites comedians Claire Hooper and Nat’s What I Reckon to the feast, hoping they’ll put cultural biases aside and embrace carp. Will they, like Tony, be ‘carpverted’?
Production credit:
Commissioned by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. A Closer Productions production for the ABC. Principal production funding from Screen Australia and the ABC. Financed with support from the South Australian Film Corporation and Screen Tasmania. International sales by ABC Commercial. Writer and director: Matthew Bate. Executive Producer: Rebecca Summerton. Producer: Sarah Wormald. Creative Producer: Kirsha Kaechele. ABC Commissioning Editor: Kalita Corrigan. ABC Head of Documentary and Specialist: Susie Jones
Eat the Invaders on ABC and ABC iview – Tuesday 14 January at 8.30pm
TV Central ABC content HERE
Eat the Invaders on ABC and ABC iview S1E2
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