Control of Lionfish in the Mesoamerican Reef

As part of the extraction project developed by Mundo Azul Foundation and the Lionfish Strategy, the second derby of 2016 took place in the Guatemalan coasts, in Motagüilla site located in front of the river mouth of the Motagua River in Punta de Manabique, from March 8^th through March 11^th, with the participation of CONAP and community members from El Quetzalito.

Again we find ourselves in the Motagüilla site searching beneath rocks for this predator.

The morphometric measurements of each specimen caught were collected to keep track on the weight and size of each one, this information can be used in future studies of this species. As a result 8 lionfish specimens were caught, which were later used to create a new dish with the women from El Quetzalito community.

The difference in quantity caught between February and March, may be attributed to the changes in weather and current as well as the diminishing of the invaders because of the derbies. Further analysis to better understand lionfish behavior will be needed, as well as much more derbies.

Thank you for your support, we´ll keep you posted on how this story unravels.

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.