Lionfish in BVI

[Rhone Man]

My LDS gravely reported this weekend that the Lionfish invasion has finally made it to the BVI. I guess we were lucky, they have been in nearby St Croix for a long time now. Apparently an eradication programme has swung into action, but I have reservations whether it will be any more successful than similar programmes elsewhere.

 

[Rhone Man]

Proof positive now - don't have to rely on a tourist's ID:

Local fisherman captures first Lionfish in BVI waters | BVI News

 

[Hockeynut]

My LDS gravely reported this weekend that the Lionfish invasion has finally made it to the BVI. I guess we were lucky, they have been in nearby St Croix for a long time now. Apparently an eradication programme has swung into action, but I have reservations whether it will be any more successful than similar programmes elsewhere.

An eradication program is 100 times better than filling out a sighting report and sending it to reef. IJS

 

[ScubaSteve]

An eradication program is 100 times better than filling out a sighting report and sending it to reef. IJS

Agreed. Certain organizations would rather the fish stay in the water so it can be studied. This does not come close to correcting the problem. If the LDS or anybody has initiated any sort of hands-on plan to remove them from the reef then I suspect you may stand a chance at removing them (or possibly controlling them at least). This is better than the widespread destruction that a LIONFISH can cause to a healthy reef.

 

[Rhone Man]

Problem is that the BVI is dead set against any kind of underwater hunting. Even possession of a spear gun is a criminal offence here.

We'll just have to sit down and try to negotiate a peaceful solution with the Lionfish...

 

[ScubaSteve]

Problem is that the BVI is dead set against any kind of underwater hunting. Even possession of a spear gun is a criminal offence here.

We'll just have to sit down and try to negotiate a peaceful solution with the Lionfish...

If you are successful, then I think we can put you to work elsewhere ....

That is sad to hear really because there is no negotiating with the LIONFISH (I know that was a joke but the phrase works ). They only want to eat and reproduce (lucky bastards). All the BVI Gooberment needs to do is look at other areas on the Caribbean (like the Bahamas) to see the results of either inaction or late action. For the reefs and the divers over those reefs, I hope BVI quickly changes their minds.

 

[mitsuguy]

Here in St. Croix, we spear them on sight. We leave a marker so that we can locate one when we come back with a spear gun. In the caymans, it is illegal to spear hunt as well, so they capture them in a bag and take it to a feeding area where grouper have learned to come get dinner... They feed the lionfish to the grouper.

 

[Dirty-Dog]

Sadly, this "let's study them" policy is apparently in effect on Curacao as well. We're heading there Nove 1, and I asked Suzy from The Dive Bus about local policies. According to her, it's "mark the site and leave them alone".

 

[SailNaked]

spearguns are illegal you say... hmmm how about a really sharp tip on the end of a fin.

 

[Rhone Man]

I have only ever seen a lionfish once (in Dominican Republic) but they are so slow it occurred to me I might be able to kill one with a sharp kitchen knife...