The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries will shortly embark on an aggressive public awareness campaign to encourage the catching and consumption of lionsfish.

A press release from the Ministry of Agriculture says that the lionfish species through a population explosion are devastating the Jamaican reefs. The fish the release said is drastically reducing the abundance of coral reef fishes and leaving behind a devastated ecosystem.

Lionfish are native to the Indian and Pacific oceans, but in the past few years, they’ve spread up the Eastern seaboard and throughout the Caribbean and have since spawned to a considerable population size.

The species are considered voracious eaters, consuming as much as 20 small fish in less than 30 minutes. The fish diet also includes crustaceans such as lobsters, which are the second largest fisheries export in Jamaica.

Given the threat to the marine resources, fisherfolk and tourism industry, the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries will shortly embark on an aggressive public education campaign to curb the emerging threat of the lionfish and to encourage local fisher folk to catch and consume them.

The ministry is currently in the process of crafting a budget to have fisher folks engage in catching and cook-offs of the lionfish. The ministry is also having discussions with the Spearfishing Association to promote and encourage the eradication of the lionfish where ever they’re seen.

The Ministry will also be working closely with the Chefs Association and the private sector to encourage the consumption of lionfish.

Only two months ago, Chairman of Couples Resorts, Lee Issa, hosted a successful lionfish competition, where fisherfolk caught more than 1,400 pounds of lionfish, which was subsequently prepared and eaten by guests.