In numerous posts I've read many comments about taking a shot at a Lionfish, but accidentally hitting coral.
I started thinking about the size of the tip on the rig that I used to hunt Lionfish. It was a simple, thin (singular) rod with surgical rubber band attached. Quite effective, and because all of the parts were found "dumpster diving", it was free.
Anyway, both the rod diameter and tip were quite small. If I did miss, and there was coral behind the fish, there was a good chance that I would hit it.
How significant of an impact would this "miss" have on the reef? I have no doubt that a small area of coral would die, and that would be a travesty. Looking at the big picture, which would have a greater impact; allowing the Lionfish to proliferate, or the errant shot?
I find it somewhat ironic that, in light of all of the other ways in which the reef is subjected to destruction, being struck by a poorly place shot comes to the forefront.
We've all seen other divers basically standing upon, bumping into, using for stabilization, dropping things into.......the reef (and I'm sure that everyone has inadvertently done at least one of the above mentioned). I've witnessed dive boat crews, as well as fishermen drop anchor right on the reef. Heck, a few weeks ago I watched some National Geographic photographers standing on coral so they could get the perfect HD footage.
Might I humbly suggest that some, if not the lions share (pardon the pun) of the funds being sought, be put towards diver buoyancy proficiency, which to me appears to be more of a detriment to reefs than using a specific piece of equipment to hunt.
I understand that there are several issues surrounding the culling of Lionfish, and that I've somewhat strayed from the main topic.
My first ever shot at a Lionfish. One shot, one kill. No coral was harmed during the making of this photograph
As I recall, the Lionfish was around 15kg, and had just swallowed a baby Dolphin whole.