Copi, The Fish Formally Known as Asian Carp; a Rebranding to Save the Great Lakes

By: Blythe Pabon

To protect the Great Lakes from Asian Carp, Illinois officials are turning to a strategy struggling artists have used for decades, a rebrand. [1] The Illinois Department of Natural Resources hired local Chicago Communication Studio, Span, with the crisis focused rebrand. [2] Asian Carp is an invasive species and poses substantial harm to Lake Michigan’s ecosystem, which provides drinking water for over half of the state of Illinois.[3] In its rebranding campaign, Span highlighted the truths about Asian carp, including how Asian Carp is the second healthiest fish in the world. In fact, the truth about Asian Carp’s copious and invasive nature inspired the new name, Copi.[4]

Indigenous groups have been the stewards of the American terrain for generations. Yet, these communities are in a constant battle not only to protect their own sacred land from ecological harm but also to advocate for a stable climate.^[1] The continued exploitation of indigenous land by large corporations and the U.S. government is a reminder that colonialism is still alive and well in today’s governance.^[2] The loss of critical habitat for many species that indigenous people rely on leads to not only the loss of necessary resources for survival but also sacred cultural practices. ^[3] Treaties between the U.S. government and indigenous groups are intended to guarantee continued tribal access to species as their habitats continue to change, however, these treaties are often not honored by the U.S. government.^[4]

Chicago-Kent Journal of Environmental and Energy Law

Tag: Great Lakes

Copi, the Fish Formally Known as Asian Carp; a Rebranding to Save the Great Lakes

Copi, The Fish Formally Known as Asian Carp; a Rebranding to Save the Great Lakes

Not Just Keystone XL: The Indigenous Fight for Environmental Justice

Submit an Article

Meta

Meta

Contact Information