Management Information
For a detailed account of managment of Pterois volitans please read: Pterois volitans (Indo-Pacific Red Lionfish) Management Information. The information in this document is summarised below.
Preventative measures: Where the lionfish has not yet become properly established, preventative controls may include education of fishermen and other locals and encouraging the public to kill the fish on-sight and record positional data (Richter 2009). Some countries have urged recreational divers and snorkelers to record locations of lionfish sightings; other governments and programs have given monetary incentives to fishermen to catch and record positional data of lionfish (REEF 2009, in Richter 2009).
Monitoring: Determining the extent of the lionfish invasion is necessary for effective management (Richter 2009). Organizations such as the Reef Environmental Educational Foundation (REEF) and the United States Geographical Survey-Nonindigenous Aquatic Species (USGS-NAS) have collected data of GPS locations, dates, water depth, and locality description of lionfish sightings (Richter 2009).
Biocontrol: Groupers, a known natural predator of the lionfish, could hold the key to controlling this invasive species, however, this remains uncertain and unfortunately Atlantic populations of grouper are suffering from over-fishing (IUCN 2009). There is hope that through the establishment of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) sufficient levels of groupers will return, providing an effective and natural means to control lionfish (IUCN 2009).
Physical: In order to control and manage the lionfish invasion, culling programs have been introduced in the Cayman Islands, Bermuda and the Bahamas (4th UK CBD Report 2009; Adam-Whitmore 2009).
Integrated Pest Management:
Although bio-economic evaluations are necessary to determine the most effective management scheme, Richter (2009) suggests the establishment of a lionfish fishery may prove to be effective (Richter 2009). With the advent of an invasive species fishery, there are certain precautions, however; with the introduction of a potentially economically viable fishery, there lies the risk that people who reap the economic benefits may seek to maintain wild populations of the lionfish (Carlton, Pers. Comm., in Richter 2009). 
Location Specific Management InformationBahamas
Physical: In order to control and manage the lionfish invasion, culling programs have been introduced in the Cayman Islands, Bermuda and the Bahamas (Adam-Whitmore 2009). Spear fishing has been tried but the most effective way is to use two nets in a kind of pincer movement, drawing the fish into one of them; then the fish are transferred into a dry bag by carefully grabbing the body using spine resistant gloves; in the Caymans the lionfish are then collected by the DOE, the gill filaments are removed for DNA testing and their biological data recorded (Adam-Whitmore 2009). Bermuda
The current geographic range and rapid population growth of the lionfish in the Atlantic makes complete eradication of this species untenable; nonetheless, it would be prudent for impacted nations to initiate targeted lionfish control (Albins & Hixon 2008). Sustained effort to reduce lionfish densities at key locations, including vulnerable and valuable reef areas, may help to mitigate their ecological impact (Hare & Whitfield 2003, in Albins & Hixon 2008). Recovering healthy populations of potential native predators of lionfish, such as large grouper and sharks, may also help to reduce the effects of these invasive predators (Albins & Hixon 2008), however, some controversy does exist in terms of their status as lionfish predators (please see this informative video of the Bermuda culling program featuring an interview with Chris Flook (Bermuda Aquarium Museum & Zoo) on YouTube).
Physical: Spear fishing has been tried but the most effective way is to use two nets in a kind of pincer movement, drawing the fish into one of them; then the fish are transferred into a dry bag by carefully grabbing the body using spine resistant gloves (Adam-Whitmore 2009). In order to control and manage the lionfish invasion, culling programs have been introduced in the Cayman Islands, Bermuda and the Bahamas (4th UK CBD Report 2009; Adam-Whitmore 2009). Bermuda initiated a lionfish culling program in 2008 that included a training program, collecting license, and a special dive flag allowing commercial and recreational fishers to spear lionfish along reefs (Morris et al. 2008). For more information on applying to the Government for a licence please call 293-2727 ext. 127.
An informative video of this program featuring an interview with Chris Flook (Bermuda Aquarium Museum & Zoo) can be viewed on YouTube. Please call a Marine Conservation Officer on 293-4464 extension 146 or e-mail lionfish@gov.bm to report lionfish sightings. Please leave your name and contact number so you can be contacted for further information.
Cayman Brac
Physical: In order to control and manage the lionfish invasion, culling programs have been introduced in the Cayman Islands, Bermuda and the Bahamas (Adam-Whitmore 2009). Spear fishing has been tried but the most effective way is to use two nets in a kind of pincer movement, drawing the fish into one of them; then the fish are transferred into a dry bag by carefully grabbing the body using spine resistant gloves; in the Caymans the lionfish are then collected by the DOE, the gill filaments are removed for DNA testing and their biological data recorded (Adam-Whitmore 2009). Cayman Islands
The Cayman Islands Biodiversity Action Plan (2009) (CIBAP) has the following objectives:- Halt the spread of Pterois volitans in the Cayman Islands (CI), and eradiate if feasible;
- Maintain close communication with dive resort staff, the public and international research community; and
- Map reported sightings of P. volitans in the CI.
Legislation: All species of lionfish and stonefish have been added to Department of Environment (DoE) prohibited aquatic species list (2004). The CIBAP has the following proposed legislative actions:- Pass and implement the National Conservation Law;
- Implement the Endangered Species Law; and
- Amend current legislation to facilitate managed capture and removal of P. volitans by specially licensed individuals.
Physical: The CI DoE has begun an aggressive lionfish removal programme using local divers that are specially trained and licensed to remove lionfish; as of June 2009 over 200 lionfish have been removed (Schofield 2009). There are approximately 163 licensed divers to remove lionfish (130 in Grand, 3 in the Brac and 30 in LC); it is intended to increase the number of licensed divers in the Brac once more dive staff come back (following recent damage to the dive operations by Hurricane Paloma) (Johnson 2009). Spear fishing has been tried but the most effective way is to use two nets in a kind of pincer movement, drawing the fish into one of them; then the fish are transferred into a dry bag by carefully grabbing the body using spine resistant gloves; the lionfish are then collected by the DOE, the gill filaments are removed for DNA testing and their biological data recorded (Adam-Whitmore 2009).
The CIBAP has the following proposed Safeguards & Management objectives:- Initiate eradication of invasive species from CI waters;
- Set up local scuba diving networks to report local sightings; and
- Assign a team of individuals to remove lionfish once sighted.
Research: The CIBAP has the following proposed Research objectives: - Map distribution of P. volitans sightings in the CI;
- Investigate methods for controlling P. volitans; and
- Conduct feasibility study and cost analysis to organize public participation of quarterly annual dives, to locate and dispose of lionfish.
Integrated Pest Management: The CIBAP has the following proposed Communication and Publicity actions: - Establish links with organizations experienced in the control of P. volitans (to date the CI Government has made contact with REEF, USGS and NOAA);
- Raise public awareness of the threat P. volitans poses (press release and flyers have been issued to CITA and SITA);
- Compile a report on effectiveness of control attempts;
- Keep the public informed of the problem; and
- Utilise native wildlife in the promotion of the CI.
The CIBAP has the following proposed Advisory actions:- Promote best practice in the aquarium trade;
- Promote Atlantic aquarium species; and
- Increase awareness of the need for the National Conservation Law and the Endangered Species Law.
The CI Government press release is aimed at educational awareness. The public are encouraged to help by reporting lionfish sightings to local Dive Operators or the DoE:- Cayman Islands DoE (949-8469)
- Grand Cayman - Mark (916-4271)
- Little Cayman - Robert (926-2342)
- Cayman Brac - Erbin (926-0136)
For further information contact Susan Watler ((345) 244-1765, susan.watler@gov.ky).
It is recommended that if you catch a lionfish on a fishing line you do not attempt to remove it from your line and instead put it in a container and call the DoE to collect it. In the case of a lionfish sting immerse the wound in hot but non-scalding water for 30 to 90 minutes and seek medical attention immediately. Cuba
An Acuario Nacional Cuba science project entitled "Preliminary studies of the lionfish (Teleostei: Scorpaenidae: Pterois sp.) in Cuban marine waters" (2009 to 2012) is aimed at:
- Determining the ecological impact of the lionfish on biotopes;
- Biological study of the lionfish;
- Creating an observation network; and
- Developing an educational program.
For more information please visit Acuario Nacional Cuba (a scientific research center specialized in environmental education). Florida (USA)
The current geographic range and rapid population growth of the lionfish in the Atlantic makes complete eradication of this species untenable; nonetheless, it would be prudent for impacted nations to initiate targeted lionfish control (Albins & Hixon 2008). Sustained effort to reduce lionfish densities at key locations, including vulnerable and valuable reef areas, may help to mitigate their ecological impact (Hare & Whitfield 2003, in Albins & Hixon 2008). Recovering healthy populations of potential native predators of lionfish, such as large grouper and sharks, may also help to reduce the effects of these invasive predators (Albins & Hixon 2008), however, some controversy does exist in terms of their status as lionfish predators (please see this informative video of the Bermuda culling program featuring an interview with Chris Flook (Bermuda Aquarium Museum & Zoo) on YouTube). Grand Cayman
Physical: In order to control and manage the lionfish invasion, culling programs have been introduced in the Cayman Islands, Bermuda and the Bahamas (Adam-Whitmore 2009). Spear fishing has been tried but the most effective way is to use two nets in a kind of pincer movement, drawing the fish into one of them; then the fish are transferred into a dry bag by carefully grabbing the body using spine resistant gloves; in the Caymans the lionfish are then collected by the DOE, the gill filaments are removed for DNA testing and their biological data recorded (Adam-Whitmore 2009). Jamaica
The current geographic range and rapid population growth of the lionfish in the Atlantic makes complete eradication of this species untenable; nonetheless, it would be prudent for impacted nations to initiate targeted lionfish control (Albins & Hixon 2008). Sustained effort to reduce lionfish densities at key locations, including vulnerable and valuable reef areas, may help to mitigate their ecological impact (Hare & Whitfield 2003, in Albins & Hixon 2008). Recovering healthy populations of potential native predators of lionfish, such as large grouper and sharks, may also help to reduce the effects of these invasive predators (Albins & Hixon 2008), however, some controversy does exist in terms of their status as lionfish predators (please see this informative video of the Bermuda culling program featuring an interview with Chris Flook (Bermuda Aquarium Museum & Zoo) on YouTube). We are experiencing technical difficulties and unable to complete your request. Please try later.
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