"Eat it to beat it" is the slogan behind the initiative at the Hyatt Regency Curacao, to help control the lionfish population that's wreaking havoc on the island's coral reefs.

Chef Norbert Roesch has turned these marine pests into edible masterpieces.

Lionfish are highly unattractive to sharks and other large predators (and probably most people who see one of these things alive), so the population has boomed, allowing the feisty fish to gobble up vast amounts of young fish and pose a threat to the reefs.

Another deal-breaker is the venomous spines that can sting swimmers.

To end the destruction of Curacao's reefs and ensure a safe swim for guests, Chef Norbert offers lionfish specials at Shor American Seafood Grill, the resort's seafood restaurant overlooking the Caribbean.

Guests can choose their lionfish grilled, stuffed, seared or in a ceviche marinade.

"We're doing our part to control the lionfish population, to save the reefs and to protect our guests," the chef said. "Our guests enjoy the flavors of the light and flaky white fish, are enthused about the initiative and happy to be part of the solution."

Chef Norbert also is stimulating the local economy by buying the lionfish from local divers twice a week. 

— Gay Nagle Myers