Lionfish are a challenge to Southwest Florida.
Native to the Indian Ocean and South Pacific, these beautiful yet venomous creatures are spreading through our waters.
Within their native range, lionfish fit into the natural food web and their populations remain in check. Not in Florida where our native predatory fish are not ordering the bizarre-looking new menu item.
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Lionfish are a challenge to Southwest Florida
Initial sightings in Florida waters began in the mid-1980s. The rarity of sightings initially made it difficult for biologists to assess the significance of the problem.
The species spread slowly but methodically, infiltrating the Caribbean and waters off the Atlantic Coast and Bermuda.
By the 2000s, the story became much clearer as many countries within the invaded range witnessed dramatic lionfish population increases and were forced to initiate control programs. Florida began to witness a population explosion along the southeast coast, including the Florida Keys.
Fact Box
If you are a diver, please take up the fight. Lionfish do have venomous spines and can cause painful wounds.
"Gone Coastal" helps recreational anglers understand complex saltwater regulations and learn more about saltwater fishing opportunities and issues in Florida. Call (850) 487-0554 or e-mail Alan.Peirce@MyFWC.com.
Today, lionfish have penetrated to the northern areas of the Gulf of Mexico as their numbers are increasing rapidly.
Florida's economy and the health of our marine ecosystems are directly linked. Marine ecologists are concerned lionfish will alter the population dynamics of our native marine species, resulting in damage to Florida's reef systems. Lionfish could also harm recreational and commercial fisheries through direct competition for food and habitat. Anything that hurts fishing and diving will also hurt hotels, restaurants, retail stores and the entire economy of the state.
This serious situation needs our full attention. This is especially true for those who scuba dive and snorkel in Florida.
As it turns out, harvesting by spear or dip net is currently the best means of controlling the species. Pole spears with multipronged "paralyzer" tips have proved to be the safest, most effective tool for harvest. Puncture-resistant harvest bags and buckets with a rigid funnel entrance can also be used to safely transfer the fish from the spear to the container while avoiding contact with the venomous barbs.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission recently eliminated the requirement to have a recreational fishing license for lionfish control when using certain types of spears and dip nets. The change, in effect through August 2013, eliminated the default recreational bag limit. The only thing that limits lionfish hunting is your ability to shoot and the size of your cooler.
The FWC is also developing incentive programs to encourage lionfish removal. The elimination of lionfish is unlikely but localized populations can be controlled through removal efforts.
Researchers have determined through tagging studies that lionfish exhibit high site fidelity, which means once they find a good place to hang out, they don't leave. Lionfish are also slow and easy to see, which makes them easy to shoot.
I also hear they are on par with hogfish or snapper after being dipped in hot grease for a few minutes. Lionfish derbies hosted by the Reef Environmental Education Foundation, artificial reef organizations and dive clubs in recent years have proved to be a big success and a ton of fun for those who are participating.
If you are a diver, please take up the fight. Lionfish do have venomous spines and can cause painful wounds.
"Gone Coastal" helps recreational anglers understand complex saltwater regulations and learn more about saltwater fishing opportunities and issues in Florida. Call (850) 487-0554 or e-mail Alan.Peirce@MyFWC.com.
