Invasive lionfish were back on the menu as the Bermuda Zoological Society hosted its third annual Eat’Um to Beat’Um Lionfish Chowder Competition.

More than 500 people came to the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo on March 29 to taste entries put forward by nine different restaurants and chefs as part of the competition.

Lobster Pot won over the event’s judges, earning their top prize, with entries put forward by The Spot and The Loren securing second and third place respectively.

However, Chiko’s entry won the hearts of the attendees, securing the People’s Choice Award, with The Spot and Hamilton Princess coming second and third.

The lionfish chowder competition, sponsored by Butterfield & Vallis, Goslings and Outerbridges Original Sherry Peppers, was launched as part of an effort to encourage culling of the invasive fish, which pose a significant threat to Bermuda’s marine ecosystem.

Ian Walker, the principal curator at BAMZ, said: “Eat’Um to Beat’Um events are designed to expose the general public to lionfish as a delicious food and to help create more demand for them.

“Events like this help to keep their numbers under control, and we are so thankful for everyone who came out and took part making a difference in our conservation efforts.

“We also greatly appreciate the local licensed lionfish cullers, who are the heart of the movement and are helping to reduce the numbers of the species on our reefs and provide fish to various supermarkets and restaurants.”

Native to the Pacific and Indian Oceans, lionfish were introduced to the Atlantic Ocean in the 1980s and, with no natural predators, have spread throughout the region.

The indiscriminate predators have now been in Bermuda’s waters for more than two decades and are known to feed on 70 different types of fish and crustaceans.

Lionfish also reproduce quickly, making culling them even more vital.

Dr Walker said: “BZS and our sponsors would like to thank all the restaurants and chefs that took part and spent time away from their businesses to participate in this event.

“We are grateful to all of them for accepting the challenge and hope they will continue to take part in this event in the future.”