Abstract

The invasion of red lionfish, Pterois volitans, in the Atlantic Ocean has generated high concern among scientists, managers, and users. Environmental authorities have responded to the invasion by promoting lionfish consumption as a measure of population control. The present study aimed to describe, through questionnaires, interviews, and non-participant observa-tion, perceptions of local stakeholders (fishermen, restaurant owners, and fish consumers) on the lionfish as a threat to the marine ecosystem and its potential for human consumption. This work described, for the first time, the stakeholder´s perceptions in two coastal localities (Cozumel and Puerto Morelos) in the Mexican Caribbean where lionfish has been traded and consumed. Results showed no differences between stakeholder´s opinions from the two localities in part because these stakeholders recognize the problem of lionfish as a threat to the ecosystem, have high willingness to consume it, and consider it a useful resource for the local economy. The limiting factor for lionfish consumption among stakeholders is the high cost of its fillet. The establishment of a market, with low expectations, may originate negative outcomes for addressing the lionfish invasion. As consequence, stakeholders may have different perceptions which may undermine efforts to manage the invasion. Public opinion can be a useful tool to understand the socio-ecological context of stakeholders to face a biological invasion in order to improve the establishment of future control strategies of marine invasive species in the region.

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