The community has been invited to turn out on Saturday and crown the best lionfish chowder on offer at the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo.

The third annual cook-off, part of the “Eat ‘Um to Beat ‘Um” campaign, showcases the savoury potential of lionfish meat.

The species, which is invasive in the Atlantic, feeds on more than 70 types of fish and crustaceans but has no natural predators to keep its numbers in check in local waters.

Some of their spines are venomous, but their meat is edible.

Butterfield & Vallis, Gosling’s and Outerbridge’s Original Sherry Peppers are sponsoring the free event, which will take place between 1pm and 5pm.

Attendees, who totalled almost 1,000 last year, can sample a variety of lionfish chowder for the first two hours, with a panel of judges and the general public then voting on the best dish.

Last year, the panel decided that the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club rustled up the best chowder, while Butterfield Fine Dining earned the People’s Choice award.

Ian Walker, principal curator at BAMZ, said at the time: “It’s become a really popular event and a fun way that we can educate people about the lionfish and encourage people to eat them.

“There’s a dedicated team of fishermen who are going out in all weathers catching lionfish to help reduce their numbers.

“In the case of lionfish, overfishing is actually a good thing.”

Guests can park at Flatts Cricket Club or directly across from BAMZ.

• Visit lionfish.bm for more information about the Bermuda Lionfish Taskforce