Predator to Plate: culinary conservation on Saba
Saban Locals Protect Their Precious Ecosystem by Serving Invasive Lionfish on the Dinner Table
SABA, C.I. April 14, 2016 - Dubbed the "Unspoiled Queen" for its lush surrounding landscape, Saba, the smallest of the Dutch Caribbean islands, is turning its dining scene into a conservation effort by serving the ocean's invasive lionfish species at its local restaurants. Celebrated as one of the top dive spots across the globe for the vibrant underwater sea life, Saba's creative efforts to maintain the stunning marine environment for which it is known, provides locals and visitors alike with a tasty solution.
With its deceptively alluring red and white zebra-like stripes, long, showy spiked fins and spotted tail, the lionfish is an extremely venomous, destructive predatory species that is native to the reefs and rocky crevices of the Indo-Pacific. In recent years, it has steadily been gobbling its way to the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea. In an effort to help eradicate lionfish from Saba's ecosystem, many restaurants on the island have begun incorporating the unusual delicacy into their menus for curious and hungry diners to taste for the first time.
Housed in an original 19th century Saban home and conveniently located in the town of Windwardside, The Brigadoon, one of the island's most popular food haunts, offers a Grilled Lionfish seafood special fast becoming a favorite amongst diners. Similarly, The Hideaway, Saba's newest restaurant and bar, is participating in the culinary conservation movement by serving a delicious Lionfish and Chips lunch special. Prepared with local Caribbean ingredients and flavors, The Hideaway's specialty dish is served with a side of zesty creole cocktail and tangy key lime tartar sauce. By ordering lionfish off of Saba's menus, not only are patrons entertained and delighted to discover a unique dining experience, but are also inadvertently becoming epicurean conservationists - one bite at a time.
Conservation is an intrinsic element of Saba's overall ethos. In 1987 the Saba Conservation Foundation was born, and the island's first underwater protected area, Saba National Marine Park, was established. Since then, the passionate commitment to sustaining Saba's natural cultural heritage has expanded to include the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance; Saba National Land Park; Saba Sea Turtle Watch and Sea & Learn, a non-profit foundation that educates and provides the local community, diverse wildlife experts and visitors with a greater understanding to the value of the environment, both globally and locally on Saba. To raise awareness for its mission, Sea & Learn produces an annual month-long event each October that features an exciting line-up of educational and hands-on nature programs.
For more information on Saba please visit www.sabatourism.com or more information on the Island's conservation efforts, please visit the Saba Conservation Foundation at www.sabapark.org.
About Saba
Often referred to as “The Unspoiled Queen,” Saba is the smallest of the Dutch Caribbean islands, but its unique offerings belie its size. One of the most distinctive and beautiful places on earth, this five square mile tropical forest soars 5,000 feet from the sea floor of which 3,000 feet are visible. With a population of just over 1,800, Saba is comprised of four main villages - The Bottom (Saba's capital), Windwardside, St. John's, and Zion's Hill (a.k.a. "Hell's Gate"). From the wide expanse of sea, jewel-like foliage and flowers that climb the mountainsides and the charming Saban cottages and buildings, Saba is a welcoming and friendly paradise for people who desire peace, tranquility and beauty. In addition, Saba is world renowned for scuba diving and hiking trails, as well as deep sea fishing and snorkeling. Saba can be reached by air and sea from the neighboring island of St. Maarten. www.sabatourism.com
Contact:
Teresa Delaney/Nichole DiBenedetto/Ashley Abed
D&DPR
[email protected]/[email protected]/[email protected]
+1 646.393.4392
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