We believe as fishmongers that it is our job to clean up the waters from invasive species and to create a sustainable product that can feed the masses. Well, we’ve been able to do just that, and everything we need is right here in Florida’s back yard.
We have numerous species of non-native fish that have ravished our local waters for years. They are more hardy than their local counterparts and are simply able outbreed the local fish. This pushes Largemouth Bass, Freshwater Bream, Speckled Perch and many other native fish species away from their normal beds. These are the game fish that bring so much commerce into our areas from guide fishing to recreational fishing.
Some of the invasive species of fish are simply able to survive because they have no natural predator. A good example is the Lionfish. They’re not native to the local waters around Florida and they have flourished because of the lack of predators to hunt them. They are gobbling up all of the local species of game fish while they are still babies, before they can grow up. Groupers, Snappers and many more of the local game fish are suffering from this predation.
We can do something about it! We have helped setup and grow some of the demand for these invasive species, but we need help. More people need to know about this problem and there is a simple solution! Eat more local seafood! Most of these invasive species of fish are great tasting and very easy to catch.
If everyone bought food to put on their table based on quality and freshness than it would be an easy decision, buy local! It is more expensive because it costs more to produce. We pay our fisherman a living wage for their fish. We pay our fish cutters a living wage for their work. These are our neighbors and live in our community. We only want the best for them.
Let’s keep our money in the local community and help clean up our waters from these invasive species.
We have compiled a list of species that we are already working to control and some of the fish may surprise you. As we continue to work towards controlling these fish we will add to the list:
