Bermuda The Travel Show

Helmut Kohl who's died at the age of 87.

Now on BBC News, The Travel Show.

This week on The Travel Show, we're in Bermuda.

Coming up:

as the America's Cup reaches its nail-biting climax

above the water this weekend, we find out if a robot can stop

the drama unfolding underneath, as an invasion of these

creatures wreaks havoc on the local ecosystem.

So he's not expecting you to electrocute him and slurp him

into a tube.

And I'll be finding out how the best way to beat these venomous invaders

is to eat them.

Once you remove the spines, you move them from malicious to delicious.

Hello, welcome to The Travel Show, with me, Ade Adepitan.

This week, we're coming to you from Bermuda,

which this year is hosting one of the world's biggest sporting

events, the America's Cup, right here in the North Atlantic

Ocean.

The America's Cup is the Formula 1 of the boat world,

the most prestigious event in sailing.

Over the past few weeks, six international teams have been

racing across the waters of Bermuda's Great Sound

in superfast hydrofoil catamarans.

And this weekend, the competition reaches its dramatic climax,

with the start of the finals, when the titleholders,

Team Oracle from the USA, face their challengers for the cup.

It is so exciting to be here.

There's a real buzz in the air.

Now,over there, some of the teams are practising and I've never seen

boats like this before.

When they raise up out of the ocean on their hydrofoils,

it's just an incredible sight.

They are so fast, so awesome - it's like they're flying

across the sea.

This is a massive event and it's the first time Bermuda has

hosted the Cup.

Tens of thousands of spectators have headed here, plus an estimated 50

million people around the world are watching on TV.

But here in Bermuda, the spotlight isn't just on what's

happening above the water - what's going on underneath the waves

is being seen as as important.

The water is obviously our playing field, so obviously it's

within our own interests to highlight the issues

that there have been globally with plastics in the ocean.

It's forecast that by 2050, there could be more plastic

in the ocean than fish.

That's scary.

Clearly, that's a major issue that we've got to get on top of.

I think through sailing, through the America's Cup,

if we can help to highlight some of these issues and also some

of the solutions to it.

The numbers are mind-boggling.

It's estimated there are now 5 trillion pieces of plastic floating

across the world's oceans.

But whilst waste and pollution are a huge concern, they aren't

the only things impacting on the environment here in Bermuda.

This place is gorgeous, but beneath these beautiful waters,

a species is lurking that is having an absolutely devastating effect

the ecosystem here.

It's a creature that is presenting the biggest challenge to marine

life in Bermuda.

They are called lionfish.

They're striking to look at, but they don't belong

in the Atlantic.

They are native to the coral reefs of the Pacific Ocean.

Scientists reckon they may have ended up in these waters

after being released by aquarium owners.

But here, they have no natural predators,

so their numbers have grown

and they are now rapidly destroying the ocean's marine life.

They're extremely gluttonous.

They can just overconsume at an exorbitant rate

and the problem with that is that the fish that lives

in the Atlantic Ocean don't recognise the lionfish

is a potential threat, and so the lionfish just

opens its mouth and gobbles in all of these little tiny fish

and it's having a huge impact on fish populations around

the Caribbean and western Atlantic.

Wow!

That is cold!

The marine life here is stunning but if something isn't done

to protect the ecosystem from the invasion of lionfish,

this could all be destroyed.

Experts here believe the only way to control the lionfish population

is too cull.

-- is to cull them.

Humans put these lionfish in the ecosystem, they didn't arrive

there naturally, and the rate of expansion of the population

as well as their consumption rate means that they are having a huge

impact on the ecosystem and the ecosystem can't evolve fast

enough to deal with this new species.

And since we put it there, it's our problem to try

to control it.

Conservation groups such as the Reef Environmental Education Foundation

regularly organise and sanction fishing trips aimed

at reducing the population.

Uniquely, here in Bermuda, these lionfish tend to congregate

in very deep waters, so it's really hard for fishermen

to catch them in large numbers, but now it's hoped that pioneering

technology could provide a more effective answer.

This is one of our prototypes of a robot that we've built

to go overboard.

You sit down at your computer screen, just like you're playing

a game, and you can see through the camera and you drive it

down, look for a lionfish, put the lionfish between the electrodes,

push the stun button and the lionfish will lock up

with the electricity so it can't move, then you push another button

and suck it up into the tube and go looking for the next lionfish.

Each robot can scoop up around 15 lionfish in a single trip and,

crucially, the final design will operate well below depths that

can be reached by divers.

Down to 1,000 feet.

Hold on a sec, though.

I mean, if I was a lionfish and suddenly this thing came

towards me, I'd be like, I'd be off, goodbye.

Actually, the best way to approach them is from above,

from in front, towards the spikes, and he'll basically say,

come on, then, deal with the spikes.

He's not expecting you to electrocute him and slurp him

into a tube.

Hunting the lionfish here might seem to go against our usual idea

of conservation which is aimed at conserving rather than destroying

marine wildlife, but by controlling the lionfish population now,

scientists say that will give the underwater ecosystem a chance

to repair, evolve and adapt and remain here for generations to come.

And the America's Cup has been a catalyst for a few other

sustainability projects here in Bermuda, including...

A new zero-emissions hire car for tourists.

Currently, visitors to the island have to rely on taxis,

scooters and ferries, as they're not allowed to rent cars,

but these environmentally friendly two-seaters could provide a solution

for people who want to get around this 22-mile island independently.

The National Museum of Bermuda is finding that being

green is cheaper.

In May, they installed nearly 200 solar panels.

This initiative is generating 93,000 kWh of clean energy,

as well as cutting their electricity bill by a fifth.

And finally, I got to try out a novel way to help solve

the problem of plastic rubbish finding its way into the sea.

It's called a sea bin.

It operates like a garbage can or a rubbish bin.

And it's designed so that it doesn't impact fish.

The debris is drawn to it because of the way the water

is circulating and the net actually catches it.

Very simple.

The current draws it in and it's captured by the sea bed.

I thought it would be more technical than that.

No, it's very simple.

Current, water, in the bin.

And that just goes to show, some of the simple solutions

are the best.

The Travel Show, your essential guide, wherever you're heading.

Hello, I'm Michelle Jana Chan, with your global guide with top tips

on the best events in the coming month.

First, Rome will be hosting the summer opera festival

at Caracalla's third century Roman baths now through August 9th.

The open-air event in the Italian capital features opera,

ballet, and music, including Bizet's Carmen and Verdi's Nabucco

plus a ballet performance by Roberto Bolle.

And one of Belgium's biggest festivals, the Rock Werchter,

will be welcoming over 100,000 to its stages June 29

through July two.

For four days, this small town located between Brussels and Antwerp

will be hosting some ferocious young talent.

This year, there will be the Foo Fighters, Radiohead,

Kings of Leon and Linkin Park.

In the US, the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington,

DC is celebrating its 50 year anniversary, a free event that takes

place around the 4th July holiday.

This year, there will be circus arts, with a behind-the-scenes look

at the generations of families involved in this business.

There will also be a focus on craft, with chainsaw carvers to religious

scroll painters to silversmiths and much of the music,

dance and storytelling will be themed around

the issue of migration.

The event begins June 29th, playing through July 4th,

then again July 6th-9th.

If you're looking for more petrol fuelled fun, then head to southern

Africa where the Put Foot Rally runs from now until July 4th,

taking in five countries and 8000 kilometres.

People from all over the world come to take part in this epic road trip

in a quirky collection of vehicles.

The car crews meet up for organised pit stop parties along the way,

as well as taking part in hands-on charity work as they race

to the finish line.

And finally, if you're visiting London and are looking for a more

leisurely way to spend your weekend, why not take in the just completed

Line Sculpture Walk?

Peel away the layers of East London to encounter 13 works by artists

such as Damien Hirst and Martin Creed along a route that

has been designed to encourage both locals and tourists to engage

with contemporary art whilst discovering lesser known facts

about a fascinating part of the city.

That's my global guide this month.

Let me know what's happening in a place where you live

or where you love.

We are on e-mail and across social media.

Until next time, happy travelling.

Earlier in the show,

Earlier in the show, I found out about the race to catch

as many lionfish as possible in the waters around Bermuda before

they destroy the island's coral reefs.

Wow, look at that beauty.

Good job.

Yes.

Part of the problem they've got on their hands here is that locals

aren't keen on eating this rather scary looking and venomous fish

and that's why they started a project called Eat Them To Beat

Them.

This summer, celebrity chefs from all over the world have been

competing to invent the tastiest lionfish dish.

And there's also been special training for Bermuda's up

and coming chefs.

So, is it safe to eat lionfish?

It definitely is safe to eat.

Once you remove these spines, you move them

from malicious to delicious.

Does that help you out?

I like that.

Malicious to delicious.

Chef Ming has been teaching at Bermuda College for 20 years

but he's only just added lionfish preparation to be curriculum.

The students are cooking up a whole range of lionfish dishes from tacos

to fish and chips and Chef tells me he's got a plan of what to do

with all this lovely grub.

Today, it's a special opportunity to have you guys here.

It's Bermuda day.

A beautiful day.

There will be thousands of people lining the streets

to watch our parade and what we're going to do today is leave

Bermuda College and give free samples.

That's the best price.

That's one way to get it on board, the people who haven't tried it.

Free.

Then they can spread the word about the goodness of the lionfish.

So, what's your plan for this bad boy?

Well, this bad boy, I'm going to remove the spines,

then fillet it so I end up with two sides, then I was going to flatten

the fillets and stuff them with lobster Thermidor,

so we have a lobster Thermidor stuffed lionfish.

OK, well, let's see you do it then.

The first thing that you want to do is remove the spines.

Are they quite tough?

They are quite tough.

Is it OK to touch?

It is OK to touch but try not to puncture yourself.

They are like little needles.

Those spines can deliver a nasty sting, so these patients need to be

handled with care.

By teaching the students here how to deal with the needles,

it is hoped they'll take their lionfish skills

to the restaurants of Bermuda when they graduate.

Don't you mess with the environment again.

Yeah, look at you now.

Oh, this looks amazing.

Have a try.

Are you sure?

Sure, go for it.

Oh, wow.

That is so tasty.

Chef, you've done a wonderful job.

Thank you very much.

I appreciate that.

It's got an interesting texture.

It tastes rich and I think that would go really well with a lovely

glass of wine.

I agree.

We should take this out to the parade, all of this food,

because it looks good, and we should give the people

a taste of lionfish.

Absolutely.

In Bermuda's capital, Hamilton, the streets are ram packed

with locals and tourists.

This is just incredible.

Bermuda Day, everybody is out, the sun is out.

I'm loving it.

The atmosphere is just awesome.

Today marks the start of summer and it seems the whole island's out

here celebrating, although they probably weren't expecting me

to crash the party with a plate of lionfish.

So, have you tried lionfish before?

Why not?

I don't think it's something we should eat.

Why do you think it's something we shouldn't eat?

Lion and fish together don't work.

Try it.

I heard it was poisonous.

Not too good to eat.

Have you ever thought about eating them?

No, but I have heard they are delicious.

Well, we have some lionfish here for you to sample.

A wonderful taste.

I love it.

Be honest, now.

It tastes good.

Yeah?

If you don't tell people up front and you let them try it first,

I'm sure they'll be back.

Sometimes people just get turned off because of the name.

I love it.

It tastes better than what I thought.

I think I would eat some more after this.

And we are honoured because even the Premier of Bermuda is willing

to give it a try.

Have you ever tried lionfish, Premier Michael Dunkley?

No, I have not.

Why not, there is an abundance of them here in Bermuda?

You know what, that is a very good question because I love fish.

With the focus on lionfish and the challenges it

causes our environment and marine life just starting to become more

prevalent, and there are a couple of local places that sell it

and I hear it's really good, so I'd love to try it.

I have got a sample for you.

Are you going to tell me what you think of it?

It looks good.

It's a lionfish fishcake.

It's great.

Yeah?

Because there is this big deal about the lionfish and eating

the lionfish here in Bermuda.

What will it take to change attitudes?

What you are doing now.

Once people try it, I think people will stay with it.

In Bermuda, we have fish all year round, so it's just a matter

of getting people comfortable with the fish and lionfish

will certainly be on people's plates.

And tourists can help too.

Dive courses that teach you how to catch lionfish are available

at centres throughout the island.

For those that prefer to stick on dry land,

keep an eye out for lionfish on restaurant menus and you can also

attend one of the cook off tournaments that happen

throughout the summer.

Well, I have had such a wonderful time here.

This whole island is quite literally bursting to life to celebrate

Bermuda Day.

The atmosphere is incredible and as for lionfish,

judging by the responses that I've had speaking to people today,

I think it's going to become a regular feature on dining tables

all over this island.

But listen, sadly that's your lot for this week.

Make sure you join us next week when...

I'll be looking back at some of our favourite trips so far this

year, from dancing monks in India to getting to grips with these

lively reindeer in Lapland.

Look at him.

So make sure you join us for that if you can.

And in the meantime, you can keep up with all our travels

on the road in real time by following us on social media.

All the details are on your screen right now.

But for now, from me, Ade Adepitan and all The Travel Show

team here in Bermuda, it's goodbye.

I've got a party to go to.

See you later.