Are they spearfishing for lionfish?

[kim&betty]

Mr. Twister, believe it or not, an AI has been doing something about the Lionfish infestation for a couple of years now, Hedonism II has had an american middle aged couple down numerous times for free week stays. They go out daily during their stays with the staff dive crew to eradicate the invaders. (A small dent in the problem, but at least they are trying).

[Mr. Twister]

kim&betty........I believe it. I was certain that the information I had read in the past was of an all inclusive doing this. I think it is fantastic. I hope to find the info so I can post it. I did find that in May 2010, hoteliers in Negril, Jamaica sponsored a three-day competition in which teams of fishermen caught a total of 1,446 lionfish.

[kim&betty]

or could it be that lionfish are native to these waters, but because of global warming they are just now returning to the caribbean/gulf of mexico? or that natural cyclical global cooling had reduced their population to only the pacific ocean? thats a good subject to reason with my bredren in a few short days, soon come sept 4th!

[kim&betty]

I didn't see 1500 fish, but I did see with my own eyes this couple bring in 6 - 10 fish per dive X # of dives per day X # of days per trip (I didn't ask them) X I saw them several trips = Couple a hundred less invasive species. just thought, aren't we an invasive species? that would be a response getting thread.

[Nick]

Lionfish are not native to the Caribbean. They are native to the Pacific and may have been released via pet stores or private aquariums that were flooded during florida hurricanes. They are voracious predators with no natural enemies in the Caribbean and multiply quickly. They need to have their numbers reduced by any means necessary.
The fact that they are tasty is a plus.
Your idea Kim&Betty that we are invasive and a threat to the reef is true and maybe the Lionfish invasion will spark a new desire to protect this valuable living thing the Caribbean Coral Reef.

[kim&betty]

i meant native, in a pre-Jacques-Yves Cousteau world, or even farther back. you know, a few geological/ biological millenium ago. are you certain they weren't native back then? Fossils of Elephants, Camels, Horses, Giant Sloths, etc. have been found across the US, but those present day species of mammals are certainly not considered native to the US. We can't really be sure now, can we? That's what I call a poser.

[negrilaholic]

I would love to know what places in Negril are cooking them..also, a very important question..how dangerous is it to eat if not prepared properly? That would be my only concern, but if it isn't a serious one, just let me know and ease my mind.

[kbisiar]

I'm no expert, but I did read in many articles that once dead they are non toxic and pose no risk. Preparing them for cooking does not pose the same risks you face with puffer fish for example. After spearing one I could see the toxin dripping from the spines. I have read that some sperfishers cut the spines off right after spearing just to be safe.

[Mr. Twister]

kbisiar......That is incorrect. The dorsal spine does still carry the toxin even after the fish is dead and must be carefully cut around when cutting the meat from the fish.

This will show hot to cut the meat from the fish around the poisonous spine.

[Mr. Twister]

Here is a guy that got stung by one spearfishing. It doesnt look like he is enjoying himself...lol