Mexico to Assist Costa Rica to Combat the Lionfish The Costa Rica News
go to original February 27, 2014

Lionfish the Ultimate Invasive Species (Lorenzo Mittiga)

The Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE) said that Costa Rica will start fighting the lionfish, which is an invasive species that is affecting the Caribbean, with the support of Mexican experts to help outline the action plans.

The lionfish, native to the Indian Ocean and Western Pacific, which feeds on fish, lobsters, and other crustaceans, is impacting coral reefs and biodiversity of places like Cahuita and Manzanillo (South Caribbean), which has been hurting fishermen in the area.

“We do not intend to eradicate the lionfish; that is not possible or feasible from an economic, environmental or social standpoint. What we will do is control it and return our ecosystem to a balance,” said the Minister of Environment and Energy, René Castro.

Fishery authorities claim that workers in the Caribbean have reported a reduction in their catches of lobster, shrimp, crabs and some fish, between 80% and 87%.

With this data, Costa Rica is now seeking strategies to work with Mexican experts of the Regional Lionfish Committee for the Caribbean and the Commission of Natural Protected Areas of Mexico (CONANP).

Read the rest at The Costa Rica News

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