Mayreau declares war on Lionfish

For the first time ever, the 2012 Hairoun beer Mayreau Regatta will include a lionfish derby and lionfish barbecue. The island is wholeheartedly joining in the effort to eradicate the voracious and venomous species from waters around the Southern Grenadines.{{more}}

“We believe in “kill, eat, repeat,” said Claude Alexander, President of the Mayreau Regatta and Sporting Committee.” Our livelihoods here on Mayreau are dependent on fishing and tourism, both of which are threatened by this invasion, so, we’re joining the battle. On Thursday, April 26, when our regatta kicks off and we hold our usual fishing contest, we will also be offering a $250 cash prize for the team that brings in the largest lionfish and the same again for the smallest lionfish and also for the most lionfish.” Since the entry fee is only $5 per man, this is a good chance to do well financially, while also doing good for the local environment and economy.

When the contest concludes at 3:00 p.m., local chef and restauranteur Zannie Adams of Mayreau’s Combination Café will be cooking up the lionfish so that fishermen and others have a chance to sample the tasty treat.

“I know that some people think you can’t eat lionfish because they think the meat is poisonous,” said Adams, “but in fact, lionfish are on the menus of many eateries in the United States and elsewhere in the Caribbean. Now we’ll have a chance to eat them here on Mayreau before they gobble up the other fish that have always been so important to us.”

The 2012 Hairoun Beer Mayreau Regatta will run for four fun-filled days from Thursday, April 26, to Sunday, April 29, on Mayreau’s Saline Bay and the Hard Court. On Thursday, the fishing competition begins at 6 a.m, and there will be an opening ceremony and games night. The Friday highlights includes basketball, a talent show (laugh till yo belly bust) and after party. On Saturday, the focus will be the beginning of the sailing and gumboat competition and the official party of the regatta with a Welcome to Prom theme. And on Sunday, things wrap up with an excursion from Kingstown aboard the party boat MV Jaden T, as well the climax of races and on-shore activities for adults and children, such as musical chairs, balloon shave, tug-of war, beer drinking competition, washer toss, and many more. Tickets for the excursion are $45.