Have you seen one? Lionfish are lurking in Maltese waters & they need to be caught
A reward is being given to anyone who can help.
A Lionfish was reportedly discovered in Maltese waters, which doesn’t bode well for swimmers, as well as the flora and fauna that surround the islands.
A photo of a lionfish was shared on social media, and subsequently removed, which caught the attention of local Marine Biologist Professor Alan Deidun, who told Times of Malta that it’s imperative the fish is caught before it colonises Maltese waters.
“These fish have wrought widespread damage wherever they have been, such as the Caribbean, waters off Florida and the eastern Mediterranean,” he told the news website. “Lionfish eat most other fish while having few predators themselves. We must nip its invasion in the bud.”
Besides eating other fish, the lionfish is capable of causing the extinction of other plants and animals, reducing biodiversity. It is also poisonous to the touch for humans who come in contact with its fins, but it is not toxic and therefore safe for eating.
The Marine Biologist is offering a generous reward to anyone who can help capture a lionfish in local waters and hand it over to him: an underwater camera worth €370, or the equivalent in cash. A reward will also be given for good photos of the fish in local waters.
If caught, the fish will be used to help educate the public through the Professor’s Spot the Alien Fish campaign.