Bio-diversity

The Lionfish (Pterois volitans and Pterois miles) is native to the Indo-Pacific region. However, through the aquarium trade the lionfish has entered Caribbean marine ecosystems and have proven to be invasive as well as poses a public health risk through their venomous spines. Caribbean coral reef ecosystems support the region`s fishing industries, and as such, the lionfish poses a threat to the viability of this sector. This project seeks to reduce lionfish populations by encouraging its consumption. A lionfish management plan will also be developed which will form part of the national lionfish management plan. Training sessions will be conducted with members of fishing communities, hotels, restaurants etc to demonstrate safe handling of the lionfish. This will reduce the incidence of venomations and provide knowledge of simple first aid measures that can be applied when venomations occur

Jamaica