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An Overview Of Our Solution

The ecological and socio-economic benefits of lionfish harvestation

Who is this solution impacting?

Ecosystem

Océanos/Costas

Community Type

Rural

Describe the problem

Fishing cooperatives along the coast of Quintana Roo Mexico have reported a significant decline in traditional catches such as grouper, yellowtail snapper and lobster due to lionfish predation. These species are also considered endangered by the IUCN due to over fishing. Our company provides a financially viable alternative through the harvest of lionfish. Coincidentally, this solution benefits the Mesoamerican Reef by reduction of lionfish that prey on herbivorous fish species vital to reef ecology. It also allows opportunity for previously depleted stocks to recover. If left uncontrolled, lionfish have the potential to cause massive damage to native biodiversity and local economies. Our goal is to involve sustainable fisheries throughout the Caribbean in this effort.

Biodiversity Impact

Our solution both creates and enables sustainable fisheries to survive and prosper through commercial harvestation of lionfish. These fish pose a clear and present danger to commercial and artisanal fisheries. Populations already exceed one thousand per acre in areas of the Caribbean and lionfish continue to spread southward. They consume herbivorous fish that are crucial to the health of reef ecosystems. Noted researcher and lionfish expert Lad Akins has said "If you had to design the perfect invader, the lionfish comes close to that perfect invader". Studies show that approximately one third of coral reefs in the Caribbean have already been destroyed with another third under threat. With unimpeded proliferation of lionfish the reefs may eventually succumb completely. The exclusive harvest of lionfish provides the opportunity for native species to recover and gives fishermen an alternate source of income to overfished species such as grouper and lobster. Marine biologists believe a monthly harvest rate of 27% is necessary to mitigate growth. Realistically only a multi-national effort with considerable capital investment could achieve this goal. Until scientists can determine what bio-mechanism is responsible for keeping them in check in their native range (indo-pacific) or a technological innovation appears the lionfish will undoubtedly be with us for some time to come. At Traditional Fisheries we have developed easily transferable techniques and business models that will enable sustainable fisheries to survive and even prosper.

There is unanimity among marine biologists that the lionfish presents a serious threat to reef biodiversity. "Lionfish are highly piscivorous, reducing the recruitment of juvenile fishes, which in turn disrupts marine ecosystem processes and reduces reef biodiversity." They consume herbivorous species in large quantities. These fish are crucial to a healthy reef system, cleansing it of algae and plant life. Lionfish may eventually cause more damage than man made influences. Analysis of gut contents of two hundred ninety one lionfish caught off the coast of Quintana Roo, Mexico revealed 26 different species of fish including crustaceans and isopods. With limited financial resources we have already made an impact on lionfish populations in our operational areas. To date Traditional Fisheries has harvested over twenty thousand fish. Reports from "Socieadad Pescadores de Puerto Morelos", our primary partner, assert an increase in traditional catches that were previously declining due to lionfish predation. It is therefore safe to assume an increase in reef-essential species. Endangered species such as elkhorn and staghorn coral also benefit. On site observations suggest a significant drop in lionfish populations with subsequent benefit to the biodiversity of the Mesoamerican reef system. We hope to expand operations to include all eleven cooperatives in Quintana Roo and the forty six in Puerto Rico. The more fisherfolk we can involve in mitigating the growth of the lionfish plague, the better. Source material: Pamela Schofield USGS Albins and Hixon 2008 Morris 2008 // Currently our area of operations entails approximately forty thousand hectares off the southern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula.

Replicability

How many years has your solution been applied? 2 years // Have others reproduced your solution elsewhere? no // Traditional Fisheries manages our solution through a "hands on" approach. President David L. Johnson lives with his family in Minnesota but makes monthly visits to Puerto Morelos that range from one week to a full month. He inspects our F.D.A. approved facility to make sure it complies with both U.S. and Mexican law. He also goes out to sea with the fisherfolk on a regular basis and interacts with them on a personal basis. Johnson speaks fluent Spainish as well as some Maya. The relationships he has established are vital to the continuance of our enterprise. Married to a Mexican, he has an affinity with and a deep appreciation of the local community. Traditional Fisheries has economically benefited three hundred people in Puerto Morelos and La Colonia des Pescadores and if we can secure additional funding we intend to expand our operations which will further benefit the community. This month we are attending a conference hosted by the G.C.F.I. ( Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute) in Puerto Morelos. There are a number of symposiums on lionfish biology and socio-economic impact. While there we will work with our associates and ship product to the United States . In conclusion, it should be mentioned that we pay our employees above the market rate. Our experience in Quintana Roo has shown that mutual respect and trust is the only way to run a successful business. We also offer financial inducements to our fisherfolk as way of increasing harvest. Good public relations with the community coupled with reasonable governance is essential.

Human Well Being and Livelihood Impact

Over the past eighteen months Traditional Fisheries has harvested over twenty thousand lionfish. This in turn has mitigated population growth and allowed financially relevant species to recover from predation. Anecdotal reports suggest a rise in conventional catches throughout our operational area. This is significant, fisheries along the coast of Quintana Roo have noticed an appreciable decline in native species since lionfish first appeared in January 2009. We estimate that approximately three hundred people have benefited economically from the exclusive harvestation of lionfish. This includes both fisherfolk and their families who live in the towns of Puerto Morelos and Colonia de Pescadores, Quintana Roo. Since traditional catches have decreased substantially, the lionfish has become a financially viable alternative thus ensuring employment to many. Traditional Fisheries has a proven, practical and profitable business model that can easily be transferred to other areas. Contingent upon increased capital investment we intend to partner with fisheries throughout the Caribbean Basin. Millions rely on fishing to provide a sustainable income as well as a vital source of protein in the region effected. The potential accruing from such an expansion is appreciable. There are hundreds of thousands of artisanal and commercial fisherfolk whose livelihoods are threatened. Fishing accounts for a significant percentage of GDP, and many countries have issues with poverty and unemployment in the areas infested by lionfish. // Our primary fishing cooperative partner is the Sociedad Cooperativa Pescadores de Puerto Morelos, in Puerto Morelos, Mexico. In addition to on site inspection by company officers they fall under the legal and governmental jurisdiction of several agencies; the Parque Nacional Arreciffe de Puerto Morelos, SEMARNAP ( Secretaria del Medio Ambiente, Recuros Naturales y Pesca) Secretariat of the Environment, Natural Resources and Fisheries and CONAPESCA( Comision Nacional de Acuacultura y Pesca) the National Commission of Aquaculture and Fishing. The fisherfolk employed by Traditional Fisheries comply with all laws and regulations which are stringently enforced through unannounced and periodic inspections by the afore mentioned agencies. Any deviation from or violations of these laws and regulations can result in a substantial fine or revocation of both fishing and operating licenses. Traditional Fisheries complies with all laws and regulations and is dedicated to the exclusive harvest of lionfish. We recently met with the chief officer of the Parque Nacional Arrecife de Puerto Morelos, Sr. Oscar Alverez, to see if we could obtain entry to the park to remove lionfish. There are specific seasons for catching different species and this is enforced assiduously. During the three months of the lobster season spear fishing is banned from the area. Unfortunately this allows the lionfish an opportunity to breed and continue it's predation of indigenous species. We hope to get permission to do this and will cooperate fully with park personnel and adhere to all regulations.

Overview