Photo of the Week - The Lionfish

The invasion of predatory lionfish in the Caribbean region poses a major threat to the coral reef ecosystems. 

These beautiful maroon striped fish with venomous spikes are rapidly multiplying in the Caribbean's warm waters and are swallowing native species, stinging divers and wreaking havoc on an ecologically delicate region.

Belize has started "The Belize Lionfish Project" which conducts multi-activity programs which include monthly lionfish tournaments and outreach programs aimed at educating stakeholders on the invasive lionfish.  The goal of the project is to ensure protection of the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System World Heritage Site.