Almost 300 poisonous fish are caught in a city in Bahia in October; animal can cause seizures in humans

Almost 300 lionfish were caught in Porto Seguro, in the extreme south of Bahia, in October.

The animal is a poisonous invasive species that impacts marine biodiversity and can cause seizures in humans.

The capture of poisonous fish is encouraged by Porto Seguro City Hall. The management implemented the Municipal Plan to Combat Lionfish, which temporarily provides for the payment of R$10 per specimen delivered by fishermen. With the capture of 275 fish in October, R$2,750 was paid.

In total, more than 1,200 fish of this species have been caught in the municipality in the last three months.

Considered invasive in Brazil, the lionfish (Pterois volitans) is a species native to the Indian and Pacific Oceans. As it is outside its natural distribution area, it can cause impacts on biodiversity by preying on other species and altering the balance of reef ecosystems.

The fish caught in October were sent to the Federal University of Southern Bahia (UFSB), where they will be subjected to scientific research, and to the National Commercial Learning Service (Senac), for research into the use of the species in gastronomy.

According to the city council, there is still no accurate survey of the locations where the species was found. What is known until the publication of this report is that the fish were caught in the coastal region of the extreme south.

On Monday (2), a specimen of the fish was found in the city of Itacaré, a city 376 km from Porto Seguro.

In addition to environmental impacts, the animal poses risks to anyone who comes into contact with it. Its thorns contain poison, which can cause intense pain and fever. In more serious situations, contact can also cause convulsions.

Therefore, the Municipal Environment Secretariat advises fishermen, sea workers, tourism operators and residents not to touch or attempt to manipulate lionfish.

In case of sighting or capture of the animal, the guideline is to notify the Institute of the Environment and Water Resources (Inema), responsible for receiving the information and providing guidance on appropriate procedures. Contact can be made by phone or WhatsApp: (71) 99671-3998.

Whenever possible, it is also important to record the geographic coordinates of the location, the date of sighting or capture and the time the animal was found. The information helps environmental agencies monitor the presence of the species and monitor its distribution along the coast of Bahia.