Lionfish Threatens Marine Biodiversity of Caribbean Sea

Over the past 20 years, lionfish, an invasive species, has spread out of control in the Caribbean and seriously impacted local marine biodiversity. The fishermen of La Caleta, in the Dominican Republic, who have voluntarily given up fishing in the area and instead turned to tourism as an alternative sustainable lifestyle, have seen the threat the lion fish has posed to their scheme.

Marine Biologist Ruben Torres says that, Lionfish is an invasive species which represents a threat for the waters of the National Underwater Park La Caleta, the Dominican Republic and the Caribbean.

"The lionfish is native to the Indo-Pacific and was introduced to the East Coast of the United States through the aquarium trade, and it was released in the Caribbean more or less in 1985 and from there it has spread throughout the Caribbean and gone south as far as the Brazilian coast. The lionfish has spread quickly through the Caribbean mainly thanks to its defense mechanism with consists of venomous dorsal spines, and also because any possible local predators do not recognize it as a prey yet." Ruben adds.

Fortunately, the island has followed "the Regional Strategy for the Control of Invasive Lionfish in the Wider Caribbean" and is managing to control it successfully.

"Fortunately it is a species of good quality and apt for human consumption, and, in Dominican Republic, we have followed the Regional Lionfish Strategy for the Caribbean, we have devised a campaign based on its consumption in restaurants, supermarkets and involving fishermen." Ruben says.

The Island of Dominican Republic in the Caribbean is home to a vibrant and distinct culture and heritage as well as to a rich ecosystem, biodiversity and dazzling landscapes. Nevertheless, this small island state faces many challenges, including climate change, degradation of natural resources, and loss of marine biodiversity.

Source: Cihan News Agency