Control of Lionfish in the Mesoamerican Reef

As part of the Lionfish Strategy, Mundo Azul Foundation developed an extraction project that aims to reduce and control the presence of lionfish in Guatemalan coasts. The first derby for 2016 was carried out in the site known as Motagüilla located in front of the river mouth of the Motagua River in Punta de Manabique, from February 15^th through the 19^th with the participation of the National Council of Protected Areas (CONAP) and community members from El Quetzalito.

Training was developed on best lionfish capture practices, harpoon use and safety as well as a cooking course was developed with the women in the community on handling and preparation of the fish. Before the actual derby took place, the team completed lionfish monitoring to determine the organisms density in the reef, information that will help create a baseline regarding lionfish presence in Guatemala.

As a result sixteen lionfish were hunted thanks to the support of nine divers. The amount caught was not much, but it has helped begin the creation of the database with information about this species.

One of the key factors was the participation of the community members, being able to involve them in the process and share knowledge on how to hunt and cook lionfish, as well as the benefit this brings to the reef and how its meat can be useful for their household, will provide them an alternative income once they fully manage the cooking techniques they can sell their dishes.

Bon Appetite!

With your support we are able to continue developing derbies and clear the coast from this invasive species.