The First Annual Akumal Lionfish Tournament-“Torne de Pez Léon” was a wonderful event — with astonishing results! The participants went out many times during the day to attempt to be the winners-but everyone was a winner as 130 Lionfish of all sizes were taken off our reefs. One local team did indeed bring in a total of 69 Lionfish-WOW!! A gastronomical treat was enjoyed by those of us who don’t hunt but do enjoy eating a wonderful catch-yes, lionfish are delicious and a sampling of Lionfish Ceviche and Lionfish breaded tacos were served.
Akumal Bay is becoming less threatened by the deadly “pez léon” because of these fearless hunters who will do anything to SAVE OUR REEF!! Thank you so very much Lionfish Hunters!! A big shout out to those who hunted at this event and congratulations-we can’t wait until next year!!
Laura Bush Wolfe Myrna Bush Betancourt James E. Fossheim
Natalie Novak Perez Ivan Mauricio Perez Jeremy Moore
Jason Sainz Bush Maria Morales Torres Diego Ponce de Leon
Jagoba Idigoras Gynna Sainz Bush Jose A. Ezquiel Orozco
Adan Reyes Lopez Leif Tomas Emilsson
Prizes — for longest fish at 16.5 cm : Los Asesinos. Team Leader Gynna Sainz
— for largest fish in weight at .832 km : Los Eradics Team Leader Jason Sainz
— for most fish caught at 69 pieces : Los Asesinos. Gynna Sainz — for smallest in weight at .020 kg : Los Asesinos. Team Leader Gynna
— for smallest in length at 4.9cm : Team Zissou! Team leaders Natalie Perez and Ivan Mauricio Perez
Congratulations to all teams !
A total of 130 fish were caught! And the total weight was 42.086 kilos!
Speaking of next year, since this year’s Tourney went so well, how about expanding a bit. Do you know of a chef who promotes eco-cuisine? Wouldn’t it be smashing to include professional chefs who will create signature lionfish dishes that will address the lionfish problem. You know, Chef Paul Prudhomme created blackened fish that was so popular it impacted the red fish population. That being said, making lionfish a gastronomical treat could go a long way to eradicating this destructive species.