Warning in Miami about the dangerous lionfish: the mysterious yellow lionfish fight them

Fight against the invaders Lionfish In the Florida Keys, especially in Miami, where we’ve been fighting hooks and harpoons, it increases as we enter the action of the mysterious submarines used by the authorities.

Lionfish Central Organization, cTo eradicate the lionfish from the sea it shouldn’t be, Reada sought its reinforcements to learn more about his enemies. Founder Scott W. Gonnero told EFE News Agency to design a more efficient combat strategy.

Originating in the Indo-Pacific region Lionfish destroyed Florida’s marine ecosystemNot only where it arrived in the mid-1980s, but also in Central America, the Caribbean, and many other places in northern South America.

The first specimens of lionfish were called for their tan scales and a kind of mane formed by the spines surrounding the head where they live. A powerful poison not present in their bodies was first seen in the waters of Florida in 1985.

How about a yellow submarine trying to stop a lionfish?

SeaMobile submarines and their pilotsScott Cassell, a veteran Submariner who has been used in California research missions so far. They participated in the campaign in July and, in principle, stay key for three months.A series of islands and islets between Florida and Cuba.

Gonnero to EFE Agency, this ship is a two-seater, electric motor and battery operated, It descends to a depth of 98 meters and can stay in the water for more than 10 to 8 hours in an emergency.

It is the depth that a few divers reach, and if they do, they can only stay for a very limited time, Not long enough to learn about the abundant lionfish populations and their habits there.

Yellow Submarine isn’t just looking for information. “It can also be adapted to capture large numbers of lionfish. “Gonnero says.

“Our mission is to evaluate, educate and eradicate lionfish from our coral reefs.” Declared an organization on that website. “Currently, the only way to reduce the presence of this species is to remove as many specimens as possible from the ocean,” Gonnero added.

The consumption of lionfish has also been promoted for over five years.A strategy favored by Gonnero, but he realizes that he can only aspire to reduce numbers and cannot kill them before completely clearing the native species of coral reefs in South Florida. ..

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) regularly holds fishing days and tournaments to pay prizes to those who win the most enemies. There are also financial incentives to sell to chain stores, supermarkets and restaurants.

“It’s healthier and cleaner than other fish, and it’s a very good fish to eat,” says Gonnero.

According to the ad, the Whole Foods supermarket chain began including lionfish in its fish offerings in 2016. Its “white and buttery” meat is suitable for all kinds of recipes.

Lionfish Central website You can find a list of restaurants serving dishes made with the two lionfish, Pterois volitans and Pteroismiles, found in the waters of this state.

Gonnero emphasizes that lionfish have “incredible” fertility, in addition to the fact that there are no other animals in their habitat that can beat them.

They plan to end the lionfish

LFemale lionfish mature in one year and can lay up to 30,000 eggs every 2-4 days.This is equivalent to about 2 million eggs a year.

According to the website Lionfish Central, eggs do not enter the food chain due to the toxic layer around them. This means that, in good condition, one lionfish adds 2 million people to the reef each year.

“The only predator in the area where the lionfish have invaded is humans,” says Gonnero.

For this reason, Lionfish Central has organized a campaign to fund the project on a submarine with the contribution of individuals and businesses. A person who wants to be a member of the crew.

Earn ranks with a $ 10,000 donation Admiral and other benefits, and for $ 500, As stated on the organization’s website, the ensign’s contribution is minimal.

Information from the agency