Are they spearfishing for lionfish?

[Mr. Twister]

I've read that they are spearfishing a little for the dreaded lionfish in Jamaica. I've seen huge lionfish tournaments in Belize. I think this is a great way to not only cut down the population but provide some fresh fish for the local establishments and families.

I see them at an arms reach all the time when I scuba dive in Negril. Anyone know if they are actively spearfishing at this time? I'd like to get involved in my next reach.

Apparently I'm not allowed to post the news story on this website...lol. Contact me if you want me to email it to you or you can find it on my facebook page. (added by moderator - you are allowed to post links to the stories, but you are not allowed to illegally repost their copyrighted stories)

[Nick]

I would like to see a Lionfish Roundup as a fund raiser for the Negril Coral Reef Preservation Society. I too have seen those videos of the roundups in Belize and it looks like a GREAT time and a wonderful way to get people together for some fun, protecting something so valuable, not to mention the tasty benefit of cooked Lionfish

Belize has made some wonderful strides in the protection and enhancement of the reef there. I believe that several fishermen from the south coast of Jamaica were brought to that reef to see what proper protection techniques can do for the health of the reef and associated fish stocks.

[Mr. Twister]

Nick,
Were you able to ever contact anyone with the Negril Coral Reef Preservation Society as I remember you were trying a while back?

[BCBud]

The Jamaican Government and many other organizations such as NEPA, UWI have started programs to promote the catching/eating of Lionfish as part of an effort to help control the spread of lionfish. Below is link to a JA Dept of Fisheries article regarding lionfish.

http://www.moa.gov.jm/Fisheries/data...%20version.pdf

When I was in JA last winter, you could buy freshly caught/cleaned llionfish down at the fisherman's beach (beside the River near the bridge). THE LIONFISH TASTES DELICIOUS!! Several restaurants on the island now serve lionfish to their customers - so be sure to ask your favourite restaurant to cook you some! If the restaurants get asked for it, they will put in on the menu .... which means more money for the fisherman & fishvendors which in turn leads to more lionfish being caught and the dominio effect will continue down the supply line.

If you google "lionfish in Jamaca" articles from varous hotels in JA that have sponsored events to promote the catching/eating of Lionfish. It would be great if something could be held in Negril that would benefit the area financially and promote eating lionfish.

[Nick]

Mr Twister...Yes I have. I have wanted to do something to help restore the reef for some time now, and the NCRPS and things like a Lionfish Roundup are made to order.

[gerryg123]

just out of curiosity, if one of those Lion fish sting you while snorkeling, how bad is it?

[x l ent]

Late reply, but what I have read it just extremely painful to be stung by the Lionfish, they are a highly invasive species, but I would like to know how they taste. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNG0ThOvrcw

[Mr. Twister]

gerryg123.....it could be pretty bad but unlikely to happen unless you snorkel on the oceans floor. The lionfish stay low.

[x l ent]

Does anyone know where they are serving Lionfish in Negril?

[Col. Andy & Wildcat Pam]

Sounds like a job for Hungry Lion.

Respect,