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Lionfish on the increase ... and on the menu

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Predators no more: Some of the fish caught during Saturday's Lionfish Tournament weigh-in and fry up at BIOS.

Fishermen caught 32 lionfish in a weekend tournament aimed at highlighting their threat to Bermuda’s marine ecosystem.The Groundswell Lionfish Tournament was held in partnership with Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences.Matthew Strong, of Groundswell, said: “Because there were only four fish caught in the first tournament, and last weekend we caught 32, this is anecdotal evidence that lionfish numbers are increasing in Bermuda’s waters. We need to tackle this issue. We appreciate the tremendous turnout for this tournament.”Lionfish are native to the Pacific Ocean but have been popping up in the Atlantic more and more frequently in recent years. Lionfish reproduce incredibly fast and males can fertilise up to 30,000 eggs at one time.Bermuda’s marine species do not recognise the lionfish as a predator and therefore do not try to escape them. As a result, many of Bermuda’s marine species are being consumed at an alarming rate.Although venomous, if prepared in the correct way they can be eaten, and make for a very tasty meal.

(Photo by Mark Tatem)Corey Eddy cleans a lionfish at Saturday's Lionfish Tournament at BIOS.
Mike Gasciogne show off one of his team’s catch at Saturday's Lionfish Tournament weigh-in and fry up at BIOS.
Fancy a snack? Some lionfish fishcakes on offer at last Saturday's Lionfish Tournament weigh-in and fry up at BIOS.