Mystery Illness That "Melts" Starfish Identified

[Baclava]

13. that's just it - nothing will eat this thing with venomous spines - not even sharks

Maybe we need to put them on the menu and eat them all

http://coralreef.noaa.gov/aboutcrcp/news/featuredstories/may11/lionfish_derby/

The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and the Reef Environmental Education Foundation have teamed up for the second year in a row to coordinate Lionfish Derbies in the Florida Keys to enable mass removal of these invasive fish in a fun and competitive format.

"Anyone who appreciates the diversity of the Keys coral reef should be concerned about these invasive fish," said Sean Morton, sanctuary superintendent. "Divers have been actively engaged in lionfish removal in the Keys since 2009 and these tournaments are a way to reward them for their dedication to the reef."

The first derby of the Second Annual Florida Keys Lionfish Derby Series was held on May 14 in Long Key, Florida. Teams of divers successfully removed 531 invasive lionfish while competing for $3,350 in cash and prizes for the most, largest, and smallest lionfish collected.

"Fortunately for conservationists and resources managers, these fish also happen to taste great," said Lad Akins, special projects director for REEF. "Restaurants in the Keys have begun to serve local Keys lionfish and patrons can feel good that lionfish consumption benefits the environment."