It was on the 7th of June, the Tobago FACEOFF Lionfish Derby 2023 exceeded all expectations, leaving participants and organizers thrilled with its roaring success. On the eve of World Ocean Day, under the sunny skies and amidst the clear, tranquil tropical waters, the Castara village set the stage for an unforgettable event. The atmosphere was electric, and the warmth of Castara’s hospitality made it an ideal venue. The vibe was undeniably hype!
This thrilling FACEOFF event was one among six that was brought to life through the collaborative efforts of the Department of Marine Resources and Fisheries, Tobago House of Assembly, under the theme, “Celebrating our Blue Heritage”, in commemoration of World Ocen Day 2023. Valued partners for the FACEOFF event included the esteemed Institute of Marine Affairs, The Castara Fisherfolk Association Reformed, The Pigeon Point Heritage Park, and the TobagoARC. Notable sponsors included Republic Bank Limited, Jacob’s, Revs, and Craneum.
At the core of the Tobago FACEOFF Lionfish Derby lay a twofold objective: to control the population of lionfish—an invasive species—by exerting predatory pressure, and to raise public awareness about the threats and opportunities presented by the presence of these unique creatures in the Caribbean ecosystems. While lionfish pose a danger, they also offer a valuable culinary resource, and that’s where the excitement begins!
With a retail market value of approximately TT$6000.00, the divers successfully harvested an impressive 217 lionfish. The divers sold their catch at wholesale prices to event patrons who wholeheartedly supported the cause. What’s more, they generously donated a portion of their bounty to the organizers.
The donated lionfish will be skillfully processed and frozen for use in the upcoming Special Edition Fish Friday at the Shaw Park Food Hub on the 30th of June. Collaborating with the talented chefs of the Tobago Hospitality and Tourism Institute, the Department of Marine Resources and Fisheries aims to showcase the versatility of lionfish. These delectable creatures will be served alongside an array of tantalizing breadfruit preparations, promising an unforgettable culinary experience.
Speaking of culinary delights, lionfish is an absolute treat for the taste buds. With its delicate yet flavorful flesh, lionfish has gained recognition as a valued culinary resource. Its firm white meat lends itself beautifully to various cooking techniques, whether it’s lightly grilled, fried to perfection, or incorporated into mouthwatering seafood dishes. Prepare to be amazed by the exquisite flavours and textures this invasive invader has to offer!
Let’s not forget to celebrate the victorious teams that emerged from the competition. In the SCUBA category, Team Undersea Tobago led by Derek Chung triumphed as the first-place winner, reeling in a staggering 90 lionfish. Close on their heels, Team Tobago Dive Experience, led by the indomitable Marvin Phillips, claimed the well-deserved second-place position with an impressive catch of 80 lionfish.
In the Non-SCUBA category, Team Loewe Boys, under the guidance of the skilled Luke Herbert-Funk, emerged victorious, boasting a catch of 30 lionfish and securing the first-place title. Not far behind, Team Winners, led by the resourceful Jevaugh Ballington, snagged the second-place position with 11 lionfish. Finally, Team AMCO, led by the dedicated Wendell Martin, proudly secured the third-place position with 6 lionfish to their credit.
There were also some special prizes; SCUBA and Non-SCUBA teams with the heaviest cumulative weight went to Undersea Tobago (76.5 kg) and Loewe Boys (32.9 kg) respectively. The heaviest fish (2.7 kg) was caught by Undersea Tobago and the smallest fish (0.03 kg) by AMCO.
With the resounding success of the Tobago FACEOFF Lionfish Derby 2023, it is only natural to envision this exhilarating event becoming a frequent occurrence, perhaps biannually. After all, it aligns perfectly with our mission: to “eat lionfish before the lionfish eats us!” Let us continue this noble endeavour, controlling the lionfish population while savouring the mouthwatering rewards it presents.
The Tobago FACEOFF Lionfish Derby is more than a competition—it’s a testament to the spirit of conservation, culinary exploration, and the collective efforts that safeguard our precious Caribbean ecosystems. Until we meet again, let the lionfish adventures continue, and may each encounter be filled with excitement, awareness, and the sublime taste of victory!
The team of organizers includes The Department of Marine Resources and Fisheries, THA, The Institute of Marine Affairs, and The Castara Fisherfolk Association Reformed.
