Just so you know - two thumbs up to lion fish killing DM in coz

[cruiser]

They should look back at this time and consider that at this time it was thought of as the prudent thing to do. Hind site will always be 20/20, and you have to make decisions today based on the information you have currently. As of today the information is that we don't have a solution to solve the problem and at this time we can only try to keep decimation of the native fish population by this artificial method of culling them. Essentially buying time at this point, with hope to the future that scientific study will eventually yield a solution.

I agree 100% Mike. However, history is generally viewed very unforgivingly when perceived through the lens of hindsight.

 

[DazedAndConfuzed]

When you come to Cozumel next, look me up: we'll do your AWARE Fish ID specialty course. kari

Close enough to go for the ki11 when the b1ood lust is boiling in my veins

 

[Dirty-Dog]

Well... they do both have stipes...

 

[heavierthanlead]

"Mexican standoff"??

 

[Karibelle]

Well... they do both have stipes...

and pointy bits...

 

[Pelagicsal]

Hindsight? I'll definitely take "Why did she do that?!?" over "Why didn't she do something????".

And if one can't tell the difference between lionfish and anything else on the reef, it's time for a new prescription (of some type) or to hang up the fins.

Sad to hear that about Anthony's Key and surrounding reef. Last year at CocoView, I saw too many lionfish, but had many great sightings and pictures of other reef residents. CCV DMs reported that they go out on Fridays and cull what they have seen or have had reported.

 

[islanddream]

Just make sure you get him a dive at Columbia shallow - more fish/photo op than you could ever want - no current, and max depth of 35 feet - we did 85 minutes on an AL80 and came up with 1100 lbs. Unfortunately I left my camera in the room that day Punta Dalila was another super cool light current fish dive with tons of little cracks and crevices to poke your head in! These sites were new to me and every bit as good as the usual sites that I've visited a bunch of times over the years!

Hey Tom! I absolutely agree with you about Columbia Shallows and Punta Dalila...those were two of the best dives we did during the trip last week. Most of us felt like we were swimming in an aquarium!

Luckily, our DM asked us where we wanted to do our first and second dives so we had input into where we wanted to go. BettyinToronto---if your DM asks where you'd like your second dive, mention the two sites above. Your husband will love you more than he already does!

 

[Dirty-Dog]

Varies with whom you dive and if you are willing to risk getting busted by rangers.

I know that... I was refering to the rules.
We're diving with Aldora next week, and I'm not really worried about rangers. They aren't on the bottom, and there's no rule against having my spear in my gear bag on the boat...

 

[Darol]

Dirty-Dog these two were whispering something about ratting you out to the rangers.

 

[psusnyder]

I was diving in Coz last week, and in 11 dives, I only saw 6 lionfish. And three of those were in a single dive at Barracuda - I imagine with a lot less dives going on at the northern reefs, there is less DMs culling the lionfish population.

So, I think they are doing a great job at keeping the population down - I wish other Atlantic/Caribbean dive areas would do the same.