MÉRIDA— Yucatán fishermen are being trained to identify lion fish, an invasive species which has become increasingly prevalent in the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean.
The carnivorous Pterois volitan, native to Oceania and the western Pacific, was introduced into Atlantic waters several years ago and can potentially afflict ecosystems and displace other endemic species, and in turn harm the fishing economy.
Officials and researchers from Mexican universities are asking fishermen and diving schools to be on the lookout for and report spottings of the rapidly-adaptive fish, said Environment Sec. Eduardo Batllori .
–THE NEWS