Congressman Andy Harris and Secretary Rollins Target Invasive Species, Announce Next Steps to Clear the Chesapeake Bay from Harmful Blue Catfish

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins today announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture is making $6 million in grant funding available for seafood processors to expand operations, transform the food supply chain and create new and better markets for the processing of invasive, wild-caught catfish. Additionally, USDA, in partnership with the Maryland Department of Agriculture, is launching a one-year pilot program to purchase up to $2 million through Section 32 of Chesapeake Bay blue catfish. The effort will support regional processors, remove invasive catfish from the Bay, and provide nutritious protein to families in need through food banks and other food distributors. 

“The project here in Maryland I visited today with Representative Harris is a win for our rural communities who now have a new processing facility that will support good paying jobs, a win for our fishermen who are ridding the Chesapeake of a destructive invasive species, and a win for our local communities who have another source of protein for the charitable feeding network,” said Secretary Brooke Rollins. “President Trump has directed USDA to think creatively, move quickly, and ensure our rural communities are supported so that America prospers for generations to come. This is about more than just a funding announcement, it is about being able to feed ourselves and opening new markets for our fishermen and producers to continue their livelihoods. The Trump Administration is working to ensure rural America is strong, secure, and resilient for generations to come.” 

“I want to thank USDA and Secretary Rollins for making this critical funding available. The $6 million available through the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program is a big win for Maryland’s watermen and coastal communities. This investment will help us fight back against the invasive blue catfish species that’s threatening our native fisheries and hurting local economies. It’s just one more way the Trump administration is supporting healthy, competitive, and sustainable seafood production right here at home. Marylanders are grateful for the partnership and support,” said Congressman Andy Harris, M.D.

Background:  

USDA Rural Development is making $6 million available through the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program. The funding is one of many actions the Trump administration has taken to ensure that healthy, competitive, and sustainable fisheries can produce an abundant, safe, and affordable supply of seafood products. 

The grants will help independent businesses build and modernize processing facilities and equipment, adopt new technologies and train workers, among other activities that will result in an increased processing capacity of invasive, wild-caught catfish. This will not only scale capacity and efficiency but also help to reduce invasive species populations that are decimating marine ecosystems and threatening the economy of the fishing industry.  

Eligible projects may receive grants from $250,000 up to $1 million. Successful applicants must be able to cover 50% of their total project cost. Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov by 11:59 p.m. on October 6, 2025. Details on eligibility and requirements are available on Grants.gov. 

News coverage of the announcement can be viewed below:

 The Baltimore Sun: Rep. Andy Harris, USDA launch program to reduce invasive catfish in Bay

WBFF: USDA plans to boost seafood supply chain, tackle invasive species in Chesapeake Bay

Note to media: The photos above may be used in news articles, coverage, and prints with attribution to the office of Congressman Harris. 

Media Contact: Anna Adamian (202) 225-5311| Anna.A@mail.house.gov