We now have two lionfish living at our school. Their purpose is to work as ambassadors for their species, but instead of trying to protect the lionfish, we are promoting eating them! You see, lionfish have invaded our seas, the Caribbean and Atlantic waters that surround our island have been invaded by these beautiful, carnivorous fish.
It all started three years ago, but the exact introduction is unknown. Most people blame the aquarium trade, some blame hurricanes, but no matter how the lionfish got here, the fact is, they are here. Lionfish are native to the Pacific, where they have natural predators and their populations are kept under control. Here in the Atlantic, where there are no natural predators, the lionfish are wreaking havoc! They are excellent at making babies. The females will squirt thousands of eggs into the water and the males will squirt their sperm on them and fertilization takes place. They can do this 3 times a month!
In addition to being excellent reproducers, they are excellent carnivores. They can eat hundreds of fish a day and are preying upon our herbivorous coral reef fish, the parrot fish. The herbivorous fish are vital to the coral reef ecosystem because they keep the alge on the corals in balance. The lionfish are devouring our herbivorous fish and the corals aren't being cleaned.
What can we do?
Here in the Dominican Republic the fishing industry is vital to the local economy and sustenance for local people. What fish do we eat? The parrot fish, and believe me, it's delicious, but guess what? Lionfish are also REALLY delicious. The plan... promote catching, selling and eating lionfish. Totally doable.
Follow us as we share how we are attacking this problem!
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