What’s On The Menu for Conservation In Belize? Lionfish!

by Tanya McNab
lionfish

The infamous lionfish is fairly new not only to Belizean waters but also to the menu at many Belizean restaurants. Originating in the warm waters of the pacific, Lionfish are a non-native species that was only recently introduced into the Caribbean. Though the flamboyant Lionfish sports an impressive array of venomous spines, they are not poisonous…

Invading The Caribbean

Lionfish are believed to have been accidentally introduced into the Caribbean Sea in the 90s. They were first spotted off the coast of Belize in 2008. Since then they have grown considerably in population and are now endangering the health of the Belize Barrier Reef. They are indiscriminate feeders and will eat almost anything. They spawn rapidly and are resistant to disease, plus they have no native predators. All this combined is a recipe for disaster when it comes to the natural balancing of the Belize coastal ecosystem.

With no underwater predators, the lionfish reigns supreme. This, however, is not good news for local fishing communities that depend on the health of the reef for their livelihood. It further affects Belize as a whole in that because growing lionfish populations can reduce populations of commercially viable fish like grouper and snapper. Further, degradation of the reef can have a negative impact on the Belize tourism market, which is a major industry in this small country.

So what can be done?

One of the best ways to manage lionfish populations is to hunt and eat them.

The meat is highly nutritious, containing high levels of Omega 3 fatty acids and low levels of Omega 6 fatty acids. This means more of what we need, and less of what we don’t need.

After being filleted, the fins make for great sea-inspired jewelry!

International NGO Blue Ventures is working in Belize to help manage the local lionfish populations. Along with research and documentation, Blue Ventures works to inform and educate Belizeans about the impending cost and potential benefits provided by this new species.

Lionfish Dinner at Nerie’s

Recently, Blue Ventures partnered with a well known Belize City restaurant, Nerie’s, to host a Lionfish dinner which boasted a three-course meal, all of Lionfish dishes. Nerie’s kitchen staff expertly prepared the meal which consisted of Lionfish Ceviche and Lionfish Sere followed by a tasty Coconut Curried Lionfish entrée.

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