Lionfish Invasion

We're Under Attack!

WE WANT YOU! Join the fight against lionfish today!

The invasion of lionfish in St. Croix, as well as the whole of the Caribbean, is an issue of vast importance. Their growing population is already threatening the life of reefs and marine ecosystems region-wide, and unfortunately, not enough is being done to intervene.

 

The only solution is a systematic and relentless extermination of this non-endemic species. If one is found, it must be killed, and quickly! In as little as 4 days that one fish can lay 30,000 eggs, leading to an exponential growth that becomes unmanagable in short order.

 

Governments, organizations, dive shops, and divers from Florida to Bonaire and all points in between are trying to take action, but you can help too!

Education

The first step to helping solve the problem is always identifying it. In this case, that can be taken quite literally... Frequent false sightings are reported, and are then investigated, leading to wasted resources and lost time in this urgent fight.

 

Search the web, flip through a few books, ask your local dive shop, take a Fish ID course -- whichever method you choose, learn what a lionfish looks like, and how other creatures are commonly misidentified as lionfish appear.

 

We've done some of the legwork for you here.

Observation

Lionfish Marker in St. Croix Lionfish Marker in St. Croix

Whenever you're out on a dive or snorkel, keep a watchful eye out for these pesky species. Better yet, stop by any local dive shop and pick up a few markers to carry with you!

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you see a lionfish:

  • Don't touch it! Their venomous spines are very painful!
  • Mark the location if possible, ideally with a lionfish marker
  • Report the sighting immediately to either:

 

 The CORE Foundation (340-201-2340 / www.nolionfish.com)

OR

 Dep. Planning and Natural Resources (340-643-0800 / www.dpnr.gov.vi)

                    

If STUNG, soak area in tolerably hot water or use heating pads; use caution to avoid burning the skin

Response

Click to visit CORE's website! Click to visit CORE's website!

Get out and give a hand!

 

It takes a tremendous amount of time, money, and manpower to combat this invasion and every little bit helps. The CORE Foundation, with their Caribbean Lionfish Response Program (CLRP) -- one of the largest of its kind in the Caribbean -- offers training in the systematic search for and removal of lionfish, as well as hosts regular "lionfish hunts" in partnership with most of the dive operators on St. Croix, Sweet Bottom included.

 

These can be a LOT of fun and very rewarding. As an added bonus, joinging one of CORE's lionfish dives is FREE! It's a fantastic, productive way to spend a Sunday: helping the reef and spending time with conservation-minded individuals trying to make a difference.