Lionfish hunting on Loops Beach St. Croix

With a previous catch of 16, we go lionfish hunting in similar waters just a bit more north this time. After a few minutes kicking out we descend right on top of 2 lionfish to start the day.
#saltylocs #saltylocsadventures #scubadiving #lionfish #lionfishhunting #stcroix #usvirginislands
(Pterois is a genus of venomous marine fish, commonly known as lionfish, native to the Indo-Pacific. It is characterized by conspicuous warning coloration with red or black bands, and ostentatious dorsal fins tipped with venomous spines.[3][4] Pterois radiata, Pterois volitans, and Pterois miles are the most commonly studied species in the genus. Pterois species are popular aquarium fish.[3] P. volitans and P. miles are recent and significant invasive species in the west Atlantic, Caribbean Sea and Mediterranean Sea.
"Lionfish as Food" campaign
In 2010, NOAA (which also encourages people to report lionfish sightings, to help track lionfish population dispersal)[82] began a campaign to encourage the consumption of the fish.[53] The "Lionfish as Food" campaign encourages human hunting of the fish as the only form of control known to date. Increasing the catch of lionfish could not only help maintain a reasonable population density, but also provide an alternative fishing source to overfished populations, such as grouper and snapper. The taste is described as "buttery and tender".[83][84] To promote the campaign, the Roman Catholic Church in Colombia agreed to have their clergy's sermons suggest to their parishioners (84% of the population) eating lionfish on Fridays, Lent, and Easter, which proved highly successful in decreasing the invasive fish problem.[85]
When properly filleted, the naturally venomous fish is safe to eat. Some concern exists about the risk of ciguatera food poisoning (CFP) from the consumption of lionfish, and the FDA included lionfish on the list of species at risk for CFP when lionfish are harvested in some areas tested positive for ciguatera. No cases of CFP from the consumption of lionfish have been verified, and published research has found that the toxins in lionfish venom may be causing false positives in tests for the presence of ciguatera.[86][87] The Reef Environmental Education Foundation provides advice to restaurant chefs on how they can incorporate the fish into their menus. The NOAA calls the lionfish a "delicious, delicately flavored fish" similar in texture to grouper.[53] Cooking techniques and preparations for lionfish include deep-frying, ceviche, jerky, grilling, and sashimi.
Another initiative is centered around the production of leather from lionfish hides. It seeks to establish a production chain and market for high-quality leather produced from the hides. The goal is to control invasive lionfish populations while providing economic benefits to local fishing communities.[88]) Source:Wikipedia

[@reggiemurphy1523]

Awesome video!! It did look like you were in an aquarium!! Keep up the great work!!

[@SaltyLocs]

I love it! Thank you!

[@pamelajohnson6463]

Nice Catch Beautiful Sunset...I Love how you Always include the Sea and Fish 🐟 Education 😊💖💖💖💖

[@SaltyLocs]

Thank you Pamela! It’s my pleasure to sprinkle in some facts! 📚 ❤️

[@cowgirlsuzie1]

Always love your videos!

[@SaltyLocs]

Thank you Suzie! 💕

[@iamremy-kl3xm]

Great video and info...

[@SaltyLocs]

Thank you Remy!