The 4th Annual Fishy Fest Handline and Lionfish Tournament was held September 28th – 29th in Great Exuma. This year’s event was extended to include a day of culture with artisans coming to Regatta Park in George Town to display their wares, food vendors cooked everything fish, kids played in their corner and kites were flown. Several civic organizations had information booths and the Bahamas National Trust was present to provide information on lionfish for those who would be participating in the Lionfish Tournament the following day. The evening ended with a concert featuring Tropical Breeze Band and Dillon “DMAC” McKenzie. Despite the overcast skies, on September 29th, seventeen boats were launched from four different ports on the island with both participants of the bottom fishing and lionfish tournaments.
The lionfish are an invasive species that has flourished within the Caribbean. Mr. Mais, Resort Manager at Sandals Resort at Emerald Bay, in an interview with Round Table Talk host Mr. Reg Smith, suggested that humans have to become predators of the lionfish by eating them. Chef Marcus Curry, from Sandals Resort, demonstrated a few ways that lionfish can be prepared on Saturday afternoon.
The audience enjoyed samples of fish-based dishes, prepared by individuals from different countries including Jamaica, England, Haiti, and of course, The Bahamas. It was everything fish at Regatta Park! There were fish scaling, fish gutting, fish frying and fish eating contests, all of which were all over-subscribed. All fish caught in the tournament were sold on site, which was a financial benefit to the fishermen.
Contributed by Tamika Rolle, B. Sc Sr. Executive, Exuma Tourist Office
