The invasion of lionfish on the coast of Brazil has worried environmentalists. So much so that the CBPA (Brazilian Confederation of Fisheries and Aquaculture Workers) presented a study revealing the threats posed by the animal’s invasion.

Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture André de Paula, who received the document – ​​Photo: Antonio Cruz/Agência Brasil/Divulgação/ND

This species is native to the Indo-Pacific region, which extends from India to the Pacific Ocean. The fish was found once in Brazil in 2014, but since 2020 the animal’s appearance has become common and has been found along the coasts of eight states.

The lionfish is a predator-free species in the waters off the coast of Brazil, according to environmental scientist Giovane Oliveira. In addition, it is a voracious predator with a high reproductive rate and is poisonous.

It is therefore a threat because it has a high reproduction rate and, when it feeds, reduces the number of native species in Brazil and affects those who make their living from artisanal fishing.

Solutions for lionfish

it poses a threat because it has a high reproductive rate and, when it feeds, reduces the numbers of species native to Brazil and affects those who make their living from artisanal fishing – Photo: Pixabay/Divulgação/ND

The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture received the study on Tuesday (7) in Brasilia. Data and possible solutions to the problem were presented at the presentation ceremony.

Many countries, including the United States and the Caribbean, have tried to eradicate lionfish, Oliveira said. However, after analyzing the character of the animal, they realized that this was impossible.

“So the scientific community is already convinced that maintaining control through trapping is the only solution to reduce its impact,” Geovane said.

The document was delivered to the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Andre de Paula, and proposes as a solution the adoption of public policies operating in four areas.

1. Capture and extraction;
2. Search;
3. Monitoring the communications plan;
4. Environmental education.

This action aims to involve artisanal fishermen and local communities in catching this species and the future inclusion of lionfish in the production chain. The document also calls for preventing accidents from fish spines, as they release poisonous toxins that cause painful injuries.