BIOLOGICAL POLLUTION - Marine Pollution: What Everyone Needs to Know - page 207

magazine of North Carolina Sea Grant, Coastwatch , published
several lionfish recipes in their autumn 2013 issue.
There has been considerable interest in developing com-
mercial markets for lionfish. Consistent, high-volume removal
efforts may halt population growth, diminishing their dev-
astating effects on native fish populations. In Belize's Barrier
Reef Reserve System, efforts are underway to do just that.
Conservationists from Blue Ventures, a British nongovern-
mental organization, are working together with local com-
munities and the Placencia Producers' Cooperative Society in
developing a new international export market for the fish.
One criticism of fishing is the potential for juveniles to be
left in favor of larger, market-ready fish. One way to prevent
this is to also create a market for juveniles in the aquarium
trade. Puerto Rico currently exports approximately 200 to
300 juvenile lionfish per week to supply the US aquarium
trade, and Florida Keys collectors also remove and sell juve-
niles. While the aquarium trade is likely the initial source of
the invasion, the number of fish released was few. Even if a
small percentage of collected fish were to end up back in the
wild, the numbers removed are greater and could contribute
to a reduction in impacts. While there are economic benefits
to fishers and collectors for lionfish removals, there is concern
that allowing aquarium trade in invasive lionfish could lead to
additional introductions.
In South East Asia mitten crabs are a delicacy, especially
the ovaries and testes. Consequently, they are eaten primarily
during the fall migration period when the gonads are ripen-
ing. Crabs in Europe are being considered for consumption.
The Dutch have developed a fishery for them. A large popu-
lation is established in the Thames River, England, and com-
mercial exploitation is being considered. A report considers
that the population is large enough to support artisanal fish-
ing and that fishing should be limited to certain months. This
could reduce crab numbers and provide financial benefits for
local fishermen. Although the Thames crabs had accumulated