Invasive species are a threat to ecosystems. In the Mexican Caribbean, the invasion of lionfish has been a significant ecological, social and economic threat since 2010. Mainly because this species feeds on lobster larvae, which is our most valuable fishing resource in the area.

The fishing communities decided to act together with the government sector, academia, civil society organizations, private sector, etc., to seek solutions and control the invasion, in addition to implementing biological monitoring. We created joint actions to support the consumption of the species through gastronomic samples, recipes, fairs and fishing events, as well as to promote sport fishing aimed at catching lionfish.

The Sociedad Cooperativa de Producción Pesquera Cozumel has been a pioneer in promoting multiple initiatives to prevent the spread of the species and in transferring our knowledge to other fishing communities in Quintana Roo.