Over the past few years, it had been my perception that the little Caribbean reef fishies off of Ambergris Caye, were declining rapidly, whilst seeing plenty of the dastardly lionfish. However, over the past year, it has been my perception that there is a bit of a return of the little fishies and rarely do I see a lionfish on the local dives. Apparently, there are derbies, bbq's, and just days when the guys go out and get as many as they can.
Last trip to Roatan, considered myself fortunate to be on a lionfish hunting dive. I wasn't a hunter, not even much of a spotter. The guys were all over the place shooting their slings, one handed, as they also carried buckets with lids. The lids were cut in a radiating slides (star effect), and upon spearing the lionfish, would shove the spear/fish into the bucket lid, and then draw the spear back out, leaving the lionfish in the bucket.
They had a great BBQ later that evening.
I agree that nature will eventually find a balance. Problem is don't know if I'll be able to dive that long.
Last trip to Roatan, considered myself fortunate to be on a lionfish hunting dive. I wasn't a hunter, not even much of a spotter. The guys were all over the place shooting their slings, one handed, as they also carried buckets with lids. The lids were cut in a radiating slides (star effect), and upon spearing the lionfish, would shove the spear/fish into the bucket lid, and then draw the spear back out, leaving the lionfish in the bucket.
They had a great BBQ later that evening.
I agree that nature will eventually find a balance. Problem is don't know if I'll be able to dive that long.