The proliferation of the lionfish, an exotic and venomous species, has been advancing along the coast of Porto Seguro, in southern Bahia, leading the municipal government to create the Municipal Plan to Combat the Lionfish. The Municipal Secretary of Environment and Animal Cause (Semac) coordinates the actions to combat the invasive species in the region.
In approximately one month of the program, 442 lionfish specimens were removed from the sea by fishermen participating in the initiative. The captured animals are delivered to the Fishermen's Colony, which is responsible for counting the specimens and paying R$ 10 for each fish captured.
The financial incentive was established as a temporary measure to control the species and is expected to be maintained for another month. The city hall plans to gradually reduce the amount paid for captures as other management strategies are implemented in the region.
