Fishy Fashions
Invasive lionfish earrings (credit: YouTube)
Everyone should pay attention to environmentally destructive species like the invasive lionfish. This species, originally from the Indo-Pacific and likely released by an aquarium owner, is a monster. Lionfish are now devouring their way through anything they can get their mouths around and have a reproductive rate that is astonishing.
Concern for eliminating lionfish has created unique opportunities for their control: top chefs now have developed tasty recipes for lionfish stir-frys, BBQ's, and grilled dishes; fishing rodeos have been organized in Florida to see who can catch the biggest lionfish; wildlife agencies allow unlimited numbers to be caught; and anyone diving in the Florida Keys, or elsewhere in the Caribbean, is allowed to destroy the deadly fish by any means. Now talented jewelry makers are designed fashion accessories made from the spines of the poisonous fish as trinkets for tourists.
A video explains this crafty development and some of the unusual products now designed for sale. Who couldn't use a new belt buckle or pair of earrings? Consider adding a fishy fashion statement to your attair when you're in Florida, the Bahamas, or anywhere in the Caribbean. You will be helping out the marine environment with every purchase. WHB