Lionfish Invasion Update

In October 2011, the lionfish was first sighted in St. Lucia waters. Subsequent to that in November 2011, the first lionfish was caught. Since then the Department of Fisheries has been working diligently with local stakeholders to control the spread in our waters. To date there have been over 200 confirmed lionfish sightings primarily on reefs, found mostly in the north and west of the island. Populations of the lionfish continues to increase.


Divers, resource users and locals alike are urged to be on the look out and report all sightings of the lionfish via the Ministry’s website and our Facebook page.


While the invasion of the lionfish will inevitably have negative results on our marine environment, and may change it forever, it is important that we all work together to mitigate the impact of such an invasive species on our local flora and fauna.

First Lionfish sighted in St. Lucia at Honeymoon beach in October 2011

22 Lionfish caught in a fish pot off the coast of Dennery in March 2013

Chef Training

Lionfish have no natural predators in our waters, as a result the only known way to control the increasing population of lionfish as an invasive species, is to eat it. Several other countries in the Caribbean Region have undertaken such measures in an effort to combat some of the negative effects of the lionfish. Several workshops were held with local chefs to teach them how to safely handle and prepare lionfish as a viable source of protein.

Two workshops were held in the north and south of the island during the month of August. Several local restaurants on the island in collaboration with the Department of Fisheries hosted these workshops. The chefs were taught how to safely handle and remove the venomous spines from the lionfish and how to fillet the fish. They were then given the opportunity to creatively prepare the fish dishes similarly to how they would use in other fillet fish dishes. Each creative dish was sampled and voted on by the other workshop attendees and fisheries staff.

Sandals Resort Chef diligently works to prepare lionfish themed dishes

Chefs use PVC gloves to handle lionfish before the spines are removed.

 

Fisher Consultations

The Department of Fisheries hosted several fisher consultations during the month of June and July at various landing sites around the island. The objective of those consultations was to sensitize fishers on the lionfish impacts and threats on the marine ecosystem and the likely effects it can have as it relates to fishers livelihood. The consultations highlighted key issues on controlling the spread of the lionfish populations, how to prepare and safely handle lionfish. There was also fruitful discussion on the action plan and measures the Department have developed with agencies and countries across the region. Fishers used this chance to engaged the experts in healthy discussions.

Fisheries Biologist, meets with the fishers of Laborie on the effects of the Lionfsh invasion

                                     

Meeting wth Anse La Raye Fishers on the Lionfish

Report Lionfish Sightings

More and more fishermen are finding lionfish in their pots all over the island. We at the IAS Action Team would like to know as much as you know. So whether you are SCUBA diver, fisher, tourist, beachgoer, your input is very valuable to us.

Please fill out the form found at this link: Lion Fish Sightings Report Form