Any Lionfish sightings in Curacao?

[morecowbells]

I am going to Cozumel in Oct. and have noticed numerous SB threads addressing the ever-growing lionfish sightings and captures:shocked2:. I have not come across any discussions about them in the ABC islands. Does anybody know if they have been spotted in Curacao? Not that it is a vacation deal breaker, as I am hoping to be returning soon. I am curious though.

 

[Kukuisa]

As far as I know there isn't one spotted (yet).
We hope to keep it that way.

 

[Curacao Sunshine]

Mark and Suzy (Dive Bus) recently sent me an email generated from Carmabi - Caribbean Research and Management of Biodiversity with a flier about Lionfish. It states that while none have been spotted on Curacao, they assume they will eventually and goes on how not to touch the spines, treatment, reporting and controling the situation. I, yes am computer illiterate and do not know how to post it here. I've asked Mark and Suzy for assistance. You'll most likely see something soon.

 

[chuck41]

Mark and Suzy (Dive Bus) recently sent me an email generated from Carmabi - Caribbean Research and Management of Biodiversity with a flier about Lionfish. It states that while none have been spotted on Curacao, they assume they will eventually and goes on how not to touch the spines, treatment, reporting and controling the situation. I, yes am computer illiterate and do not know how to post it here. I've asked Mark and Suzy for assistance. You'll most likely see something soon.

If they start showing up you need to make sure they get on the menu at SOL Food! That ought to create enough demand to keep them in check.

YouTube - Lionfish Hunter Catch 'Em
YouTube - Lionfish Slayers

 

[Seanpaul]

Sunshine, if you head over to the Jamaica thread you will see we are going to start selling them as "better than Viagra" to get the local fishermen less fearful about picking them up. Conch fritters as the aphrodisiac combined with lionfish on your pizza... you never know...maybe they be storming up to Westpunt LOL!!! Say hi to Bry for me - sounds with Andreas there now it is quite a party! Can't wait to meet you all

 

[Curacao Sunshine]

Maaaybe, although I'm not even a big fan of skinning salmon fillets for gravlax let alone cleaning a spiny poisonous lionfish. Here's hoping for many reasons we never see them in Curacao waters. Scubaboarders on the other hand are always a welcome sighting.
PS Rumors are that JD and crew of the "Sunset Waters" thread are having a great time after a horrendous flight delay. Sean Paul, hope to see you soon!

 

[TheDiveBus]

Hi folks,

Here's a link to the info sent by Carmabi regarding Lionfish in Curacao...:
The Dive Bus - Lionfish Heads Up

So far none that we're aware of... They're beautiful but we don't want them here! Sunshine - GO, catch, cook!! ;o)

See you!
Suzy

The Dive Bus - HOME

 

[morecowbells]

Thanks for the info and replies. One Scubaboard diver recently saw a lionfish on every single dive in Cozumel. Their proliferation rate has been astounding. So far the Cozumel Marine Park does not allow DM's or their clients to kill the fish. The DM's(lucky guys) are encouraged to catch them in issued bags and transport them to the Marine Park officials. Sounds like a risky job especially since gloves are forbidden.

I am glad to hear that Curacao has not encountered any of these beautiful but destructive fish yet. Otherwise Sunshine can offer them as the other white meat alternative.

 

[UnderwaterBumbleBee]

I hope the ABC's will be prepared if they invade. We saw so many on every single dive in the Bahamas, they were probably about the size of a Curacao turkey (no joking). I feel I've seen enough for a lifetime. It will be interesting to see how many are in Cozumel by the time our December trip arrives....after our Curacao trip in November of course!

 

[Curacao Sunshine]

I hope Mr. Bee has bought Mrs. Bee her ticket before she finds out that Stephanie and Martin are coming back tomorrow.....