Whole Foods in Fla. begin selling invasive lionfish

Whole Foods is now selling invasive lionfish at its Florida locations.

Since lionfish were first spotted in Florida in the mid-1980s, they have continued to spread rapidly. Florida’s Wildlife Commission estimates there are millions of the fish, which have no predators, and have wreaked havoc on native fish and shrimp populations.

Florida officials have pushed for people to combat the species in the kitchen by catching the fish and eating it.

Whole Foods is simplifying the process for Floridians who aren't into diving for their fish.

The chain began selling lionfish for $8.99 a pound on Wednesday and plan to raise the price to $9.99 a pound June 1, WWSB-TV reported. 

Florida aims to keep invasive lionfish in check

The company said in a statement that the fishes “white, buttery meat lends itself to a number of different recipes.” Whole Foods workers will remove the venomous spines before consumers purchase the fish, according to the statement.

Wildlife and local officials have long encouraged communities to host massive kill-offs of the fish, though they are unsure whether it’s possible to eradicate the species completely.

Catch it or buy it, and fry it up. See ya, lionfish.

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