Controlling Lion Fish Invasion in the Caribbean

At La Caleta Nacional Submarine Park, co-managed by Reef Check Dominican Republic, at least 69 Lion Fish in the last 3 months have been removed from this highly marine protected area. The Lion Fish were captured using Hawaiian slings (park permitted spear guns), heavy-duty underwater gloves, scissors and collection bags, purchased thanks to donations made through global giving. In addition, RCDR volunteers and members have been catching Lion Fish with protocols developed for this project, and used around the Dominican Coast and networking with fishermen to secure demand once we start our Lion Fish Consumption Campaign this year.

Currently, members of RCDR have supplied Lion Fish meat samples to well-known restaurants in the city of Santo Domingo and their chefs are working on distinctive recipes as a means to introduce Lion Fish into restaurant menus. Working closely with GASTROTECA (http://gastrotecaonline.com) gourmet magazine we are looking to finally publish our first lionfish article in February or March, which will formally begin our Lion Fish for Food campaign.

Further, Reef Check Dominican Republic has been working closely with Pagés BBDO advertising agency (http://pagesbbdo.com/bbdo/06/) in developing a campaign for lion fish consumption in specific restaurants. Logo, table tents, and flyers have been created to identify the Lion Fish Consumption initiative. These logos have been approved by Reef Check DR board members and marketing experts in order to guarantee maximum acceptance in the market (logo picture)

The products developed with Pagés BBDO advertising agency will be placed in every restaurant that manages to successfully introduce the Lion Fish into their menus.