Curaçao Lionfish: An Invasive Species That Is Making A Positive And Sustainable Economic Impact!

[Dive Curaçao]

We all know the war against lionfish rages on and continues to challenge hunters who give up their free time to help prevent more damage to the reefs and in turn, the local economy. On Curaçao, there are many organised groups and dive schools that provide lessons on how to safely search for and catch lionfish without disturbing or harming the surrounding reef. Certain dive schools also teach you how to carefully remove the spines and prepare it, making it the perfect meal for any fish lover.

There are a huge number of negatives attached to lionfish, however there is one big positive, it is a sustainable industry! Numerous restaurants on Curaçao such as Sol Food in Westpunt, Iguana Cafe in downtown Willemstad and Pirate Bay in Piscadera, are now serving lionfish because of the increasing consumer demand due to its delectable taste and high nutrition value (high in Omega 3). In fact, the meat from lionfish can be used in a whole range of dishes including fritters, tacos, ceviche and even simply pan-fried with a drizzle of lemon.

Read the full blog:
Curaçao Lionfish: An Invasive Species That Is Making A Positive And Sustainable Economic Impact!

 

[rhwestfall]

Iguana Cafe was out when I wanted some.......

 

[Wookie]

The blog misses the point that lionfish are living and eating everything in sight at depths of 400 feet or so. Some of my best hunting is on wrecks in 250 feet, where lionfish density is 1 per square foot. So while harvesting them in recreational depths is indeed a good thing, and creating a market for them is also a good thing, don't think for a second that having lionfish in the back yard is in any way a good thing.