Lionfish spread in the Greater Caribbean: a threat to the marine ecology in the whole area
Detected for the first time in Cuba in 2007, the lion fish invaded the island in just two years! Following its accidental or intentional introduction (the mystery remains) from Florida in the early 90s, the lionfish (Pterois) with its very venomous spines is considered an invasive species throughout the Caribbean area because of its fast breeding, its lack of predators and its voracity.
The proliferation of Pterois over the last 10 years is a threat of growing concern for the balance of marine ecosystems in the region, coral reefs are directly affected as mangroves and seagrass beds. Therefore, coastal communities’ quality of life is greatly affected by the presence of this invasive species that reduces the abundance and diversity of reef fish and thus has a major economic impact on comercial activities such as fishing and tourism, including scuba diving.
More info on Open season for lion fish hunting in SMMA in Ste Lucia
The flesh of the lion fish is full of vitamins
To eradicate this scourge, most Caribbean countries encourage people to consume like the French Antilles which successfully jumped on the bandwagon. The lion fish whose delicate flesh is prized by gourmets is now proposed to the carte of several restaurants and is beginning to be adopted by local and visitors, some of who finds a similarity with grouper.
At the Havana, “few Cuban restaurants offer the lionfish on their menu and it is still unknown to the population” says Delmis Cabrera, a marine biologist at the Havana National Aquarium. “Despite its venom that must be taken of course, the lionfish would bring many nutrient quality including vitamins”.
