ECOMAR is doing a countrywide campaign about the Lionfish that has invaded the waters of Belize. One presentation was done in Monkey River on February 8 and another was done in Punta Gorda on February 9, 2011. 

One important aspect of the presentation was that the Lionfish basically has to be eaten or it will destroy the marine life. What makes it worse is that it can lay from 4,000 to 30,000 eggs every month depending on the size and they eat anything up to 2/3 its length.

The venom is found in the dorsal and anal spines, so it is those appendages that would need to come off so it can be eaten. If you get stung by the fish, your pain will be great and can last up to 12 hours. Putting hot water on the area will stop the venom from spreading and you will also need to take some pain pills.

For more information on the fish and cleaning of the fish please call ECOMAR at (501) 223-3022 or email at info@ecomarbelize.org. We may not be able to eradicate the Lionfish, but we can manage the number of them by consuming it. ECOMAR has given out samples of cooked Lionfish and people have been eating it.