The Atlantic Lionfish invasion is no longer breaking news. Most ecologically-minded divers know that the common lionfish, an invasive species from the Indo-pacific region, is decimating reefs across the western Atlantic, Caribbean, and Gulf of Mexico. Many dive destinations, such as the Bahamas, Cozumel, and Florida are implementing lionfish control programs with some success. What is most likely news to everyone is that on the mainland east coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, almost nothing has been done to control this destructive species.
Most local instructors and guides feel adamantly that the lionfish need to be controlled. When permitted, many guides carry nets and receptacles on dives to remove the fish. The problem is that many local dive shop owners are discouraging lionfish capture; some dive shops expressly forbid their instructors to remove lionfish from the reefs. In a typically ineffectual maneuver, the Mexican government publically stated that it was ready to deal with the problem, and has proceeded to completely ignore it. As a result, I have personally seen lionfish populations explode on local reefs within the last few months. Four months ago, I had never seen a lionfish near Playa del Carmen, and now I hardly dive without seeing at least one.
Arguments I have heard against the removal of lionfish range from ignorant to just plain stupid:
• PADI says we are not supposed to touch the animals.
• They are so pretty, and they are just following their nature.
• Humans caused the problem, why should lionfish pay for our mistake?
• It is mean.
• Guides will create dangerous situations, as capturing lionfish distracts them from clients.
• Lionfish are poisonous.
• Clients are going to be upset if we remove the fish on a dive.
• We shouldn't try to "play god" and control nature.
Yes, the common lionfish is quite pretty, but it doesn't belong in the Atlantic. The lionfish is simply following its nature, but its nature is to eat absolutely everything in sight. What about other fish species that have done nothing wrong, and are also just following their nature? Do they deserve to be eradicated, either directly or indirectly, by the lionfish? What about the thousands of people who subsist on reef-related industries? I would hope that most reasonable, intelligent divers would understand the situation, and would be happy to assist guides in spotting lionfish as this helps to protect the reef we all love.
I urge divers traveling to Mexico to make this issue a concern. Talk to local dive shop owners and let them know that you support lionfish removal. Don't dive with companies that prohibit it.
Speak Up!
What is your opinion? What do you think of these arguments? Should dive shop owners allow guides to remove lionfish?
Photo © Ricardo de Miguel Lino
Comments
Unfortunately we have the lion fish around Dominican Republic too, and of course the population is growing very very fast. I was trying to get the local dive shops in Bayahibe together and do something about it, but everybody is too “busy” . I don’t think it’s a good idea to catch them with clients, unless it is a dive dedicated to catching them. As you said it is not their natural environment, they are eating everything around so if we don’t do anything about it, we might not see anything else in few years, just lion fish
One question is not mentioned: is catching by divers effective? I can hardly imagine that this labour-intensive method will put a dent in the population. I think the solution has to come from a natural enemy – either appearing naturally or being introduced by humans as well; that introduction having its dangers ;-(
Look at e.g. the story about caulerpa taxifolia.
On a recent dive in Akumal, Mexico we encountered numerous lionfish on the reefs. Our guide was spearing them and leaving the carcass on the seabed.
I hope the Mexican government takes some action on the problem. The lionfish is awesome to see in the open water but they are damaging the ecosystem and should be controlled. t