Abstract

Lionfish (Pterois volitans) invaded Guadeloupe coastal waters in 2010. Today, it represents one the most common top predator of the coral reef trophic web. Fighting against its expansion can go through an important fishing pressure and its large promotion on fish markets. Guadeloupe coastal waters are contaminated by chlordecone, an organochlorinated pesticide widely used in the past by banana industry. Due to its position at the summit of the trophic web, lionfish is exposed to potential bioaccumulation of pollutants like pesticides. A preliminary study has been conducted in the dry season (February – April 2014) concerning the contamination by chlordecone of 60 specimens collected in 10sites. These sites were distributed on an increasing distance gradient from banana cultures areas, today known for their contamination by chlordecone. Fishes were collected by spearfishing. Samples for analyses were constituted with flesh muscle from at least three fishes. Total length, standard length and weight were taken for each specimen. Results of the analyses provide values of contamination fluctuating between 3 µg/kg of chlordecone (inferior level of detection by the analysis protocol) and 110 µg/kg (the tolerance level for marketing being < 20 µg/kg). Distribution of the concentrations of chlordecone was inversely related to the distance between sampling sites and banana culture zones. In conclusion, lionfish, due to its top position in the coral reef food web is likely to strongly bioaccumulate pollutants like pesticides. It is suggested to test its safe edibility before trying to market it from areas suspected of pollution.

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