Lionfish Awareness and Elimination Course Bonaire

[Mossman]

Not sure where "the other thread" is, so I'm agreeing with keithdiver 100%. Objectively, if "you" weren't trying to sell the course here, would you really be defending it?

There's a reason why PADI gets its various nicknames (as in Put Another Dollar In for one) and it's exactly these types of "courses" that further the reputation.

 

[scubadada]

Jerry Ligon's Naturalist class at Bonaire Dive & Adventure is fantastic. Despite being a moderately experienced diver, I learned an incredible amount when I took the class and dive in 2008. I have applied my knowledge to all dives since.

I have no doubt that the Lionfish class would also be very educational and that I would learn much. However, after spotting hundreds of Lionfish all over the Caribbean for the past several years, I would not be interested in this activity unless I would be allowed to take them myself using my Lion Tamer lion fish liontamer Hopefully, more destinations will allow visitors to help with Lionfish eradication.

Good diving, Craig

 

[lsorenson]

I find it bizarre but then appropriate that PADI would come up with a course we pay money for to kill a fish that will surely cause immense damage before the ecology system balances out...

If its a joke... haha...! If not then it seems this falls into line with having a course on being stoned!!!

I killed one when I was in Bonaire... Did not damage anything in the process other than the Lion Fish itself... May have ticked off its mom and several thousand siblings but hey... Funny, I did look around before I did to make sure the Lion Fish Police were not around...

IF this was an actual course, then it should be free to any diver willing to participate with the eradication of the Lion Fish and done so during the mandatory buoyancy check... Free...! Now that would be a service and something I could get behind...!!!

lee

 

[drrich2]

If memory serves in the other thread, it was pointed out that this course was not put forth at PADI's instigation, so it is not a sinister attempt by PADI to cajole us out of money.

I still think if they'd let us hunt lionfish outselves with the cert., it'd be a lot more popular.

Think about it; Bonaire is famous for diving freedom - shore diving without a divemaster or other professional guide, basically. For many of us, when we find one, who are we going to point it out to?

People who boat dive in Bonaire a lot might be in a different situation. But that's not what Bonaire is famous for.

Richard.

 

[gypsyjim]

I guess I can not see the harm in offering the course. Not sure who really would want to take it, (certainly I would pass on it) if it did not then allow the diver to legally harvest these nasty little devils themselves, but any class taught by Jerry can't help but be interesting and informative.

Not all divers visiting Bonaire are going to be as aware of the loinfish problems in the Caribbean as most SB members are, so there may be an interest in, and even possibly a need for this time of exposure, among the less up to date tourist diver.

 

[scubadada]

Jerry Ligon's Naturalist class at Bonaire Dive & Adventure is fantastic. Despite being a moderately experienced diver, I learned an incredible amount when I took the class and dive in 2008. I have applied my knowledge to all dives since.

I have no doubt that the Lionfish class would also be very educational and that I would learn much. However, after spotting hundreds of Lionfish all over the Caribbean for the past several years, I would not be interested in this activity unless I would be allowed to take them myself using my Lion Tamer lion fish liontamer Hopefully, more destinations will allow visitors to help with Lionfish eradication.

Good diving, Craig

On second thought, if I'm lucky enough to get back down to Bonaire, I just might take the course, assuming it's taught by Jerry. I'd bet the classroom portion would be very interesting and educational and the opportunity to dive with Jerry is a real treat. I would imagine the new knowledge could be put to good use in future eradication activities.

Now, I've got to scheme to get back down to Bonaire...

Best, Craig