Lionfish in Cozumel

[MMM]

There probably needs to be an aggressive, "exception only" program initiated that includes proactive culls by authorized individuals. Whether those be DMs or otherwise. I've heard they have decimated fish in other areas and an immediate, no-nonsense approach is dictated. Perhaps DMs can be allowed to carry spearguns and goodie-bags and be allowed to use. I know of at least one DM who is so passionate about keeping lionfish from populating Coz that he'd make this a priority on both guided dives and a private personal mission. This could be devastating to Coz.

One additional thought - if grouper can eat these things, then another strategy is to increase surveillance of illegal fishing within the marine park to ensure their protection.

 

[5615mike]

This past November I counted a dozen Lionfish on a single dive in the Bahamas. I don't know if a 'cull' (pick out of any and all) by the local dive operators in Cozumel will help stem the tide. It is certainly worth a try. This invasive species is the 'zebra mussel' of the Caribbean (A Great Lakes metaphor aimed at our local 'Freshh Water Freaks'). I look forward to seeing what the local authorities determine the appropriate action should be. I will be returning to this thread on a regular basis to see what developes. I am also a seasonal resident of the area and this is indeed bad news.

Yes, Lionfish have been sighted in Bahamas and off coast of FL for a number of years. I guess people need to quit releasing fish into eco systems that they dont belong.

 

[geokr]

There probably needs to be an aggressive, "exception only" program initiated that includes proactive culls by authorized individuals. Whether those be DMs or otherwise. I've heard they have decimated fish in other areas and an immediate, no-nonsense approach is dictated. Perhaps DMs can be allowed to carry spearguns and goodie-bags and be allowed to use. I know of at least one DM who is so passionate about keeping lionfish from populating Coz that he'd make this a priority on both guided dives and a private personal mission. This could be devestating to Coz.

Exceptions? Authorized individuals? I think you should deputize every diver, snorkeler and shore wader, give them free Hawaiian Slings, post a bounty and turn them loose. These things are like cockroaches. A few people aren't going to have any effect. In fact, I don't think there is any way of stopping them short of finding a predator and there are none identified anywhere. Finding one in the stomach of an occasional grouper was just a bad choice of a meal by the grouper and he'd never do it again. Nope, this problem isn't going to be solved by any small measures. Like they say in the Navy....Stand By......

 

[joey1656]

I'll have to make sure to look for them over here in Louisiana. We usually head out to the rigs during the summer for a few dives. Although we have never heard of one spotted here. Not a good thing to have show up.

 

[scubawife]

I read an article last week about grouper eating lionfish... the catch was that the lionfish are including juvenile grouper to their diet. THAT could be very bad for the already threatened population.

According to REEF, who seem to be the leaders on research and attempts for proactive strategy, the lionfish diet in the Atlantic and Western Caribbean seems to consist mainly of cleaner fish, shrimp and crab.

I think ALL Cozumel dive operators (owners, DMs and crew) will be interested in doing whatever is needed to curb the problem. The potential negative impact of a lionfish population will have a negative effect on their business. Making a free for all might not be a great idea... divers who aren't educated in the proper way to do this could get hurt, don't you think? In Cozumel you have to be with a dive master anyway. Hopefully diving in Cozumel never gets to the point that every dive is an endless lionfish hunt, so, having divers alert the dm seems reasonable. Just means you might need to keep the group a little closer together.

 

[scubawife]

Yes, Lionfish have been sighted in Bahamas and off coast of FL for a number of years. I guess people need to quit releasing fish into eco systems that they dont belong.

Wasn't the initial cause an aquarium destroyed by Hurricane Andrew and lionfish washed into Biscayne Bay?

 

[MMM]

Exceptions? Authorized individuals? I think you should deputize every diver, snorkeler and shore wader, give them free Hawaiian Slings, post a bounty and turn them loose. These things are like cockroaches. A few people aren't going to have any effect. In fact, I don't think there is any way of stopping them short of finding a predator and there are none identified anywhere. Finding one in the stomach of an occasional grouper was just a bad choice of a meal by the grouper and he'd never do it again. Nope, this problem isn't going to be solved by any small measures. Like they say in the Navy....Stand By......

I don't disagree. The challenge is how you realistically deal with this issue in a marine park with a lot of really novice divers without inviting craziness and hunting in a protected area. It's striking that balance.

 

[diverrick]

next thing you know someone will try to catch one with thier hands, then sue the dive op for not mentioning it to them..

 

[scuba8]

Hello all,
This my first posting on scubaboard.
Wanted to respond to what I have reading about the lionfish in Cozumel.
I was fortunate to be on the dive when this fish was found. There were 8 of us plus
our DM Edgar. I saw him frantically waving me over. I knew he found something.
When I reached his location I could not believe what I was looking at. A Lionfish!!!
I have several hundred dives logged in Cozumel and have seen lots of stuff but this
was something else! I am glad I got a chance to see it.
I had my camera(rarely dive without it) so I took a few shots.
What a beautiful fish. If left unchecked though I am told it could decimate the reef
of at least the smaller fish.
I have since been told that marine park divers have gone out and captured the animal.
Don't know if they destroyed it or not. Most likely. Who knows how many more might be here though.
Anyway I am new to computers so if I can figure it out I will post a photo.
I am on vacation in Cozumel and am staying at Blue Angel/Caribe blu.
Have met the new owners Eva & Robert. Very nice couple. I have very much enjoyed
their hospitality.
For now, back to my vacation.

 

[Cave Diver]

Hello all,
This my first posting on scubaboard.
Wanted to respond to what I have reading about the lionfish in Cozumel.
I was fortunate to be on the dive when this fish was found. There were 8 of us plus
our DM Edgar. I saw him frantically waving me over. I knew he found something.
When I reached his location I could not believe what I was looking at. A Lionfish!!!
I have several hundred dives logged in Cozumel and have seen lots of stuff but this
was something else! I am glad I got a chance to see it.
I had my camera(rarely dive without it) so I took a few shots.
What a beautiful fish. If left unchecked though I am told it could decimate the reef
of at least the smaller fish.
I have since been told that marine park divers have gone out and captured the animal.
Don't know if they destroyed it or not. Most likely. Who knows how many more might be here though.
Anyway I am new to computers so if I can figure it out I will post a photo.
I am on vacation in Cozumel and am staying at Blue Angel/Caribe blu.
Have met the new owners Eva & Robert. Very nice couple. I have very much enjoyed
their hospitality.
For now, back to my vacation.

Great picture. Welcome to the board!