In a seafood-centric case of turning lemons into lemonade, chefs are exploring ways of taking an invasive species of fish and turning it into delicious meals. Here, videographer Dennis Cieri tells us, and shows us, how we can simultaneously enjoy good food while helping the health of the oceans. Watch Dennis’ behind-the-scenes video at Harbor Docks restaurant where they are preparing Lionfish in a wide variety of ways.

Save this article about eating Lionfish to Pinterest to learn more about its invasive nature and culinary possibilities. Photo by Dennis Cieri. Graphic by RealFoodTraveler.com.

Hungry for more? Read and watch as Dennis explores Belgrade restaurants and markets.

Known for its fresh seafood, beautiful beach views, exceptional service and family friendly atmosphere, Harbor Docks has been a Destin, Florida restaurant tradition since 1979. Owner, Eddie Morgan, told us the history of the restaurant and gave us a tour. Our family was excited to try out the menu and, in particular, the Lionfish.

Lionfish, though delicious, are often viewed as menaces of the sea. Adult Lionfish, first spotted along the Atlantic coast about forty years ago, are primarily fish-eaters and have very few predators outside of their home range. Researchers have discovered that a single Lionfish residing on a coral reef can reduce recruitment of native reef fish by 79 percent. Lionfish feed on prey normally consumed by snappers, groupers, and other commercially important native species. This means their presence can negatively affect the well-being of valuable commercial and recreational fisheries.

As Lionfish populations grow, they put additional stress on coral reefs. A study of a coral reef in the Bahamas found that two years after the rise in the Lionfish population, “the biomass of the 42 species that Lionfish eat had declined by 65 percent.” Lionfish eat herbivores, and herbivores eat algae from coral reefs. Without herbivores, algal growth goes unchecked, which can be detrimental to the reef’s health. These reefs are already struggling from the effects of climate change, pollution, disease, overfishing, sedimentation, and other stressors. This has led to seven coral species being listed as in danger in Lionfish infested areas.

A view of the beach in Dentine, Florida, where Lionfish are caught and served in restaurants.

Lionfish continue to expand at astonishing speeds and are harming native coral reef ecosystems in the Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean. Biologists suspect that Lionfish populations have not yet peaked in the Gulf of Mexico, which means that their demand for native prey will continue to increase. Recent research has also revealed that Lionfish can tolerate brackish coastal zones. Mangrove and estuarine habitats may also be at risk of invasion.

According to an article by Lina Zeldovich, “Scientists aren’t sure what preys on Lionfish in their native Pacific—possibly sharks or eels, whose Atlantic counterparts may not have yet learned to recognize Lionfish as a food source. Right now, the only predators to keep them in check are humans.”

Lionfish in a tank.

At Harbor Docks, as we watch the sushi chef Yoshi Eddings prepare our meal, she says, “I’m making sushi from some beautiful Lionfish caught here in Destin, which I’ve never seen in Tokyo… but it’s a very nice fish.” She makes a torched Lionfish roll with fresh yuzu, a popular Japanese citrus. She also prepares Lionfish sashimi with a miso paste and vinegar mixture. She says, “Lionfish has a clean, mild taste so I like to keep it simple and let the fish stand out. You will enjoy it.”

Chef Yoshi photographs the various Lionfish items she has prepared.

Hungry for more? Check out a New York restaurant that serves insects.

We went back into the kitchen and watched chef Duster Strawbridge prepare a beautiful Lionfish with a ginger risotto; so, we got to try out the fish both raw and cooked.

Chef Duster prepares Lionfish in the kitchen at Harbor Docks in Destin, Florida.

The sushi was tender and the cooked fish was soft and flaky with a lovely, unique taste.  A way to eat a delectable meal in a wonderful atmosphere while also helping sustain coral reefs? You can’t go wrong!

-Story, photos, and video by Dennis Cieri

Plan a visit to Harbor Docks, in Destin, Florida using this Expedia affiliate link from Real Food Traveler.

Watch Dennis’ behind-the-scenes look at various ways to prepare Lionfish at Harbor Docks restaurant in Florida: