Summary of Activity by Country & Organization
Nations in the Wider Caribbean have enacted stringent legislation regarding the removal of fish while on scuba to protect large fish species. With the introduction of lionfish some countries have permitted lionfish hunting by scuba divers and visitors to manage lionfish and mitigate impacts. Presented here is a list of organization by country tackling the lionfish invasion with descriptions of how they are involved in lionfish culling.
BELIZE
Ambergris Caye.com
BELIZE
Ambergris Caye.com
Belize Aggressor & Sundancer
Belize Diving Adventures - 2012 - In our continuous fight to eradicate lionfish off the coast of Belize, we offer special lionfish hunting dives. After hunting we make a great lionfish ceviche or grill. $70
Belize Pro Dive - Committed to environmental conservation as much as we are to SCUBA DIVING. The Lionfish is voracious predator being shown to eat native fish and crustaceans in large quantities, including both ecologically and economically important species like grunts, snapper, nassau grouper, and cleaner shrimp. Not known to have any native predators divers and fishermen in Belize try to control the population of lionfish by spearing or catching them in nets.
Blue Ventures - Our lionfish project volunteers are given an introduction to marine life in the Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve, with detailed lessons about invasive lionfish, their behavior, competitors and prey. Volunteers also learn about marine megafauna sighted frequently on dives and recorded diligently to monitor abundance. In-water training includes lionfish detection practice, survey training and safe, environmentally sound methods for hunting and removing lionfish from coral reefs. $1200 for 9 day program. The survey data collected by volunteers is used to monitor the progression of the lionfish invasion, population status, diet and reproductive rates, as well as to test hypotheses on specific impacts and recommendations for management. Invasive species webpage
ECOMAR - Coordinated Belize Lionfish Project with Fisheries
FISHERIES - Partner with organization and coordinated 1st Lionfish Tournament in SWCMR, WHS.
Hamanasi - Hamanasi's Lionfish Spear Fishing Adventure offers scuba divers the chance to spear this invasive species. Belize is supportive of efforts to rid its waters of this voracious eater. Prior to diving there will be a briefing describing the Lionfish, a scientific explanation of the threat the fish poses in the Caribbean and why hunting the species is ecologically sound. On the first dive the Divemaster will point out the Lionfish, its habitat and demonstrate how to spear and bag the fish. During the surface interval, the divers learn how to clean the fish. If the Divemaster determines that the diver has adequate dive skills, including buoyancy control, the guest may test his skills at spear fishing during the second dive under the supervision of the Divemaster. All Lionfish caught will be recorded to track progress in controlling the population, and will be prepared fresh in the Hamanasi kitchen. All caught fish are recorded with the information being sent to the Belize Fisheries. Lionfish fins are made into beautiful jewelry, which is available in Hamanasi’s gift shop. Hamanasi has caught over 12,000 lionfish since 2012. Lionfish dive from $165 pp.
Hatchet Caye - the lionfish population is hunted to reduce endangerment to our local species. Interested guests can be taken out to the reef in pursuit of the invasive predators. Lionfish hunting differs from regular fishing trips – instead of fishing lines, spears are used. It is often a risky business, but it’s one that is very rewarding. The sting of a lionfish, though rarely fatal, can be very painful. Guides often advise against spearing them in the sides, as they are able to swim up the spear and stab you in the hand; spearing them in the head is the safest way to go. As a further precaution, guides often clip the spikes of lionfish after they are speared to avoid the risk of being stung by the struggling quarry.
Island Expeditions - It’s ironic that my first visit to this heavily protected UNESCO World Heritage Site involves killing.
Long Caye, Lighthouse - Come to Belize specifically to participate in Lionfish hunting expeditions that offers the opportunity to use a spear rather than a rod or cages, to snare these creatures. Restrictions associated with catching Lionfish are stringent: Both individuals and fisheries must obtain a special license because it’s illegal to use a spear in certain areas off Belize or while scuba diving.
Raggamuffin - Fishing is also an additional element to the trip. We carry with us hand lines, trawling rods, spin rods and a spear gun. For those passengers whose passion it is for fishing, this is an ideal opportunity to trawl off the boats, spin cast on the islands and to experience spear fishing! For fly fisherman, although whilst we are on the boat there is no way of accessing the flats, whilst on Rendezvous and Ragga Caye the flats off these islands are abundant! (We do not provide fly fishing equipment for the trip).
NOTE: the activity of spearfishing by visitors snorkeling or free diving on Belize reefs should also be reviewed as the current Fishery Regulations do not permit visitors to take fish. Only Catch & Release is legal once a Sport Fishing permit is purchased.
Reef CI - Our lionfish program focuses solely on hunting, spearing, and eradicating this invasive species. ReefCI is removing more lionfish and collecting more data on lionfish than any other organization in the country of Belize. remove over 7,000 lionfish this year alone and dissect 1,585 for research purposes. ReefCI is also working with local Belizean women to help them make jewelry from the spines and fins. We give them the sun-dried fins and spines and then buy the jewelry from the women and make them available for purchase. Offers Lionfish Specialty $100
Slickrock - Aug 2016 - We have actively pursued them with spearguns while snorkeling to keep their numbers down as much as we can. Not only are the fish a disaster for the reef fish populations, but it has even affected our life on the island. We do not feed fish like they do at other resorts. If you go to Shark Ray Alley off Ambergris Caye for example, the shark and rays come up to you. This is obviously not their natural behavior, they would normally avoid people. But they want to get the easy food, often they are fed Wonder Bread! So the snorkelers and divers at Ambergris don’t get to see fish acting naturally. Instead the fish follow them around, begging. But now, we are instructed to feed the fish with the speared lionfish to teach the predators to eat them. So suddenly, the fish are following us around. This actually hasn’t happened yet snorkeling, but I hear it does happen diving. This is extremely disconcerting. The lionfish are actually affecting our ability to observe the behavior of the big creatures while diving at Glover’s Reef, and someday this will likely extend to snorkeling.
Note: The current recommendation is that all culled lionfish be brought up and not left for other fish to eat, as it does change their natural behavior. Awareness campaign could include this important change.
Splash Dive Center - In Belize, lion fish are the only species that regulations allow to be taken with spear guns and the spear guns must meet specific specifications set by the Fisheries Department. Splash has these available for our guests. Splash Dive Center has hosted many spear fishing expeditions this year in the hopes of saving the reef from the Belize Lionfish.
St George's Caye Resort- We offer experienced divers the chance to participate in the Lionfish Dive Safari with our dive masters and hosted our first "Save The Reef" Lionfish Dive Tournament October 8-15, 2016. To encourage participation, all tournament dives are 50% off!
Turtle Inn - Catch and cooking lionfish article by hotel guest
White Sands - Lionfish are an exception and we kill them as we dive. It's against a lot of good rules to spearfish with a tank on your back but Lionfish spearing is a new industry and very popular here.I keep a dozen or so special Lionfish spears in the dive shop and hand them out to those interested. Having said that the divemaster is boss and we'll always consult with him.We also clean and eat them. We have a chef at Las Terrazas that loves to serve them.
Xsite Belize Sailing & Adventures - $ 55 US pp / min 4 people “LION FISH FRIDAYS”
Belize Diving Adventures - 2012 - In our continuous fight to eradicate lionfish off the coast of Belize, we offer special lionfish hunting dives. After hunting we make a great lionfish ceviche or grill. $70
Belize Pro Dive - Committed to environmental conservation as much as we are to SCUBA DIVING. The Lionfish is voracious predator being shown to eat native fish and crustaceans in large quantities, including both ecologically and economically important species like grunts, snapper, nassau grouper, and cleaner shrimp. Not known to have any native predators divers and fishermen in Belize try to control the population of lionfish by spearing or catching them in nets.
Blue Ventures - Our lionfish project volunteers are given an introduction to marine life in the Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve, with detailed lessons about invasive lionfish, their behavior, competitors and prey. Volunteers also learn about marine megafauna sighted frequently on dives and recorded diligently to monitor abundance. In-water training includes lionfish detection practice, survey training and safe, environmentally sound methods for hunting and removing lionfish from coral reefs. $1200 for 9 day program. The survey data collected by volunteers is used to monitor the progression of the lionfish invasion, population status, diet and reproductive rates, as well as to test hypotheses on specific impacts and recommendations for management. Invasive species webpage
ECOMAR - Coordinated Belize Lionfish Project with Fisheries
FISHERIES - Partner with organization and coordinated 1st Lionfish Tournament in SWCMR, WHS.
Hamanasi - Hamanasi's Lionfish Spear Fishing Adventure offers scuba divers the chance to spear this invasive species. Belize is supportive of efforts to rid its waters of this voracious eater. Prior to diving there will be a briefing describing the Lionfish, a scientific explanation of the threat the fish poses in the Caribbean and why hunting the species is ecologically sound. On the first dive the Divemaster will point out the Lionfish, its habitat and demonstrate how to spear and bag the fish. During the surface interval, the divers learn how to clean the fish. If the Divemaster determines that the diver has adequate dive skills, including buoyancy control, the guest may test his skills at spear fishing during the second dive under the supervision of the Divemaster. All Lionfish caught will be recorded to track progress in controlling the population, and will be prepared fresh in the Hamanasi kitchen. All caught fish are recorded with the information being sent to the Belize Fisheries. Lionfish fins are made into beautiful jewelry, which is available in Hamanasi’s gift shop. Hamanasi has caught over 12,000 lionfish since 2012. Lionfish dive from $165 pp.
Hatchet Caye - the lionfish population is hunted to reduce endangerment to our local species. Interested guests can be taken out to the reef in pursuit of the invasive predators. Lionfish hunting differs from regular fishing trips – instead of fishing lines, spears are used. It is often a risky business, but it’s one that is very rewarding. The sting of a lionfish, though rarely fatal, can be very painful. Guides often advise against spearing them in the sides, as they are able to swim up the spear and stab you in the hand; spearing them in the head is the safest way to go. As a further precaution, guides often clip the spikes of lionfish after they are speared to avoid the risk of being stung by the struggling quarry.
Island Expeditions - It’s ironic that my first visit to this heavily protected UNESCO World Heritage Site involves killing.
Long Caye, Lighthouse - Come to Belize specifically to participate in Lionfish hunting expeditions that offers the opportunity to use a spear rather than a rod or cages, to snare these creatures. Restrictions associated with catching Lionfish are stringent: Both individuals and fisheries must obtain a special license because it’s illegal to use a spear in certain areas off Belize or while scuba diving.
Raggamuffin - Fishing is also an additional element to the trip. We carry with us hand lines, trawling rods, spin rods and a spear gun. For those passengers whose passion it is for fishing, this is an ideal opportunity to trawl off the boats, spin cast on the islands and to experience spear fishing! For fly fisherman, although whilst we are on the boat there is no way of accessing the flats, whilst on Rendezvous and Ragga Caye the flats off these islands are abundant! (We do not provide fly fishing equipment for the trip).
NOTE: the activity of spearfishing by visitors snorkeling or free diving on Belize reefs should also be reviewed as the current Fishery Regulations do not permit visitors to take fish. Only Catch & Release is legal once a Sport Fishing permit is purchased.
Reef CI - Our lionfish program focuses solely on hunting, spearing, and eradicating this invasive species. ReefCI is removing more lionfish and collecting more data on lionfish than any other organization in the country of Belize. remove over 7,000 lionfish this year alone and dissect 1,585 for research purposes. ReefCI is also working with local Belizean women to help them make jewelry from the spines and fins. We give them the sun-dried fins and spines and then buy the jewelry from the women and make them available for purchase. Offers Lionfish Specialty $100
Slickrock - Aug 2016 - We have actively pursued them with spearguns while snorkeling to keep their numbers down as much as we can. Not only are the fish a disaster for the reef fish populations, but it has even affected our life on the island. We do not feed fish like they do at other resorts. If you go to Shark Ray Alley off Ambergris Caye for example, the shark and rays come up to you. This is obviously not their natural behavior, they would normally avoid people. But they want to get the easy food, often they are fed Wonder Bread! So the snorkelers and divers at Ambergris don’t get to see fish acting naturally. Instead the fish follow them around, begging. But now, we are instructed to feed the fish with the speared lionfish to teach the predators to eat them. So suddenly, the fish are following us around. This actually hasn’t happened yet snorkeling, but I hear it does happen diving. This is extremely disconcerting. The lionfish are actually affecting our ability to observe the behavior of the big creatures while diving at Glover’s Reef, and someday this will likely extend to snorkeling.
Note: The current recommendation is that all culled lionfish be brought up and not left for other fish to eat, as it does change their natural behavior. Awareness campaign could include this important change.
Splash Dive Center - In Belize, lion fish are the only species that regulations allow to be taken with spear guns and the spear guns must meet specific specifications set by the Fisheries Department. Splash has these available for our guests. Splash Dive Center has hosted many spear fishing expeditions this year in the hopes of saving the reef from the Belize Lionfish.
St George's Caye Resort- We offer experienced divers the chance to participate in the Lionfish Dive Safari with our dive masters and hosted our first "Save The Reef" Lionfish Dive Tournament October 8-15, 2016. To encourage participation, all tournament dives are 50% off!
Turtle Inn - Catch and cooking lionfish article by hotel guest
White Sands - Lionfish are an exception and we kill them as we dive. It's against a lot of good rules to spearfish with a tank on your back but Lionfish spearing is a new industry and very popular here.I keep a dozen or so special Lionfish spears in the dive shop and hand them out to those interested. Having said that the divemaster is boss and we'll always consult with him.We also clean and eat them. We have a chef at Las Terrazas that loves to serve them.
Xsite Belize Sailing & Adventures - $ 55 US pp / min 4 people “LION FISH FRIDAYS”
BERMUDA
Bermuda Lionfish Task Force Residents are invited to obtain a special permit to hunt lionfish in situations prohibited under the laws that regulate spearfishing. Specifically, that allows permit holders to hunt lionfish while using SCUBA, within one mile of shore, and on wrecks and other protected sites. Visitors to the island are invited to take the PADI Lionfish Culling Specialty at any of the local participating dive shops. Bermuda Scuba - All of our instructors hold lionfish culling permits, which is required by the Bermuda Government in order to carry a spear and catch invasive lionfish. However, if you would like the opportunity to hunt lionfish with one of our instructors we have written the PADI Bermuda Invasive Lionfish Culler Distinctive Specialty. The course costs $250 per person and includes:
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CAYMAN ISLANDS
Diver Wire - New PADI specialty course lets divers hunt lionfish in the Cayman Islands - 2011
The challenge that was presented was that the Marine Parks Law does not permit the taking of anything, living or dead while on scuba, from the Cayman Islands waters. Before the course could be offered, it required approval from the DOE and the Marine Conservation Board to allow the course to be taught by local dive instructors. The objective was that once a student passed the course, they could be issued the local Lionfish culling license. Following review, and with some inclusions from the local Marine Parks Laws, the course was approved. “This was truly a collaborative effort in Cayman once again, with both public and private sector working together to address this threat. Both parties realized that fast response was needed and this new course will assist Cayman in its fight against the invasive lionfish” commented John Bothwell, Senior Research Officer of the DOE.
PADI Lionfish Tracker Course educates divers about invasive Lionfish, including the essential Lionfish facts and their progressive invasion of the North-western Atlantic and the Caribbean. The course explains why action is required now to endeavor to control the population and describes a practical way to safely and humanely capture and euthanize these fish, along with behavioral characteristics. Two dives are included in the course for practical application of the knowledge. Upon completion, students will be issued a new PADI c-card as well as a local culling license. Nets are used for capture in the course.
DiveTech - Lionfish Culling & Hunting - The Cayman Islands' Department of Environment (DoE) sanctioned lionfish control program exists in order to minimize the population of this invasive species. Lionfish are putting incredible strain on our reefs and currently, the only way to alleviate this pressure is for divers to remove them. If you'd like to cull lionfish legally in the Cayman Islands then you need to have taken part in the DoE course which is intended to educate the participants about lionfish, the ecological threat they pose here, the risks involved in culling them and how to actively take part in catching one. Divetech are one of the DoE approved centers on Grand Cayman who can teach this course. Throughout the half day session, you will first take part in a discussion which details the issue from when the first sighting was recorded in Florida in the mid-80's up until the present day. Following this class based section, participants are given the opportunity to go on a shore dive with one of Divetech's experienced cullers to be shown how to safely, ethically and environmentally consciously hunt, catch and remove these pests from the reef. Participants can either act as a spotter or if confident enough can use one of our spears issued from the DoE to bag some fish. The program is intended to be educational, fun & rewarding and once complete, the DoE will issue you a card entitling you to CULL on the Cayman Islands.
Ocean Frontiers - Red Lionfish Hunt - Every Monday afternoon Ocean Frontiers Dive Shop operates a dedicated dive boat to hunt and cull the invasive Red Lionfish in the Cayman Islands. This dive trip is part of an environmental project to remove the invasive Lionfish from Cayman Islands waters. By participating and joining this dive trip you will be doing your part as a scuba diver to help protect our coral reefs. This dive (part 1) can be applied to the full Lionfish Culling Certification (part 2), enabling our divers to help with culling on other dive trips on our boats during their visit.
Highlights:
A Lionfish Culling Specialty Certification is available by signing up in advance for a separate class through Ocean Frontiers. The specialty certification class is not included in this trip. If you were to complete the Lionfish Specialty Certification you would then qualify to apply for a license to spear Lionfish from the boats of approved operators such as Ocean Frontiers. Participation on this trip does not qualify divers to spear lionfish in the Cayman Islands. Lionfish Culling Licenses are issued by the Cayman Islands Department of Environment.
Ocean Frontiers Dive Briefing:
Diver Wire - New PADI specialty course lets divers hunt lionfish in the Cayman Islands - 2011
The challenge that was presented was that the Marine Parks Law does not permit the taking of anything, living or dead while on scuba, from the Cayman Islands waters. Before the course could be offered, it required approval from the DOE and the Marine Conservation Board to allow the course to be taught by local dive instructors. The objective was that once a student passed the course, they could be issued the local Lionfish culling license. Following review, and with some inclusions from the local Marine Parks Laws, the course was approved. “This was truly a collaborative effort in Cayman once again, with both public and private sector working together to address this threat. Both parties realized that fast response was needed and this new course will assist Cayman in its fight against the invasive lionfish” commented John Bothwell, Senior Research Officer of the DOE.
PADI Lionfish Tracker Course educates divers about invasive Lionfish, including the essential Lionfish facts and their progressive invasion of the North-western Atlantic and the Caribbean. The course explains why action is required now to endeavor to control the population and describes a practical way to safely and humanely capture and euthanize these fish, along with behavioral characteristics. Two dives are included in the course for practical application of the knowledge. Upon completion, students will be issued a new PADI c-card as well as a local culling license. Nets are used for capture in the course.
DiveTech - Lionfish Culling & Hunting - The Cayman Islands' Department of Environment (DoE) sanctioned lionfish control program exists in order to minimize the population of this invasive species. Lionfish are putting incredible strain on our reefs and currently, the only way to alleviate this pressure is for divers to remove them. If you'd like to cull lionfish legally in the Cayman Islands then you need to have taken part in the DoE course which is intended to educate the participants about lionfish, the ecological threat they pose here, the risks involved in culling them and how to actively take part in catching one. Divetech are one of the DoE approved centers on Grand Cayman who can teach this course. Throughout the half day session, you will first take part in a discussion which details the issue from when the first sighting was recorded in Florida in the mid-80's up until the present day. Following this class based section, participants are given the opportunity to go on a shore dive with one of Divetech's experienced cullers to be shown how to safely, ethically and environmentally consciously hunt, catch and remove these pests from the reef. Participants can either act as a spotter or if confident enough can use one of our spears issued from the DoE to bag some fish. The program is intended to be educational, fun & rewarding and once complete, the DoE will issue you a card entitling you to CULL on the Cayman Islands.
Ocean Frontiers - Red Lionfish Hunt - Every Monday afternoon Ocean Frontiers Dive Shop operates a dedicated dive boat to hunt and cull the invasive Red Lionfish in the Cayman Islands. This dive trip is part of an environmental project to remove the invasive Lionfish from Cayman Islands waters. By participating and joining this dive trip you will be doing your part as a scuba diver to help protect our coral reefs. This dive (part 1) can be applied to the full Lionfish Culling Certification (part 2), enabling our divers to help with culling on other dive trips on our boats during their visit.
Highlights:
- Find and spear Lionfish hiding on the reefs
- 1-Tank afternoon boat dive to remote dive sites
- Mini-lesson about the invasive Lionfish (part 1)
- Target practice on dry land with spears prior to culling dive
- Enjoy fresh Lionfish Ceviche on the boat after the dive
- Do your part to help the environment
- Excellent team or group activity
- Each team is lead by a Divemaster licensed to spear and remove Lionfish from Cayman's reefs
- East End PM 1 Tank Boat Dive every Monday
- Includes part 1 of the Lionfish culling certification (part 2 must be completed prior to full certification)
- Departs Ocean Frontiers Dock at Compass Point Dive Resort
- Boarding time at 1.30pm | Return 4.00pm
- Price US$75 each
- 1 Licensed Spear and poker stick per buddy team
- Buddy Teams take turns in shooting and spotting
- Spotter holds the containment tube
- Must follow all safety rules outlined in mini-class
- Any diver with a spine venom accident must abort the dive with their buddy and return to the vessel for treatment
- All divers must use a dive computer, one per diver
- Nitrox is recommended if this is the divers third dive of the day
- Previous dive with Ocean Frontiers within 12 months is required
- Must not be your first dive of the trip
- Divers not meeting any of the above requirements may still dive, but will be restricted to acting as a spotter.
- You will be required to complete a medical questionnaire
A Lionfish Culling Specialty Certification is available by signing up in advance for a separate class through Ocean Frontiers. The specialty certification class is not included in this trip. If you were to complete the Lionfish Specialty Certification you would then qualify to apply for a license to spear Lionfish from the boats of approved operators such as Ocean Frontiers. Participation on this trip does not qualify divers to spear lionfish in the Cayman Islands. Lionfish Culling Licenses are issued by the Cayman Islands Department of Environment.
Ocean Frontiers Dive Briefing:
BONAIRE
Carib Inn - Only Bonaire residents with their own E.L.F. (Eliminate LionFish) from STINAPA may join the hunt.
VIP Diving - Offers specialty course $150, participants receive card recognized by STINAPA, includes knowledge development, practice and two dives
Buddy Dive Resort - 2012 - Designed by Buddy Dive Academy Course Director designed to provide divers with an overview of the lionfish explosion and the related problems this invasive species presents to marine habitats, the Buddy Dive course is a $125 full day program that includes theory and two fun dives using the proper equipment to control the growing lionfish population.
Carib Inn - Only Bonaire residents with their own E.L.F. (Eliminate LionFish) from STINAPA may join the hunt.
VIP Diving - Offers specialty course $150, participants receive card recognized by STINAPA, includes knowledge development, practice and two dives
Buddy Dive Resort - 2012 - Designed by Buddy Dive Academy Course Director designed to provide divers with an overview of the lionfish explosion and the related problems this invasive species presents to marine habitats, the Buddy Dive course is a $125 full day program that includes theory and two fun dives using the proper equipment to control the growing lionfish population.
KEVIN OBRIEN PADI COURSE DIRECTOR (works with VIP in Bonaire)
What You Will Learn - You will learn the techniques involved in the usage of Lionfish removal systems, primarily the ELF Lionfish removal tool, and Lionfish containment devices, such as the Zookeeper™, within recreational limits, the use of the “Spotter” and “Hunter” method of Lionfish removal, how to avoid disturbing delicate marine life while hunting Lionfish, how to safely hunt & handle Lionfish and how to avoid being stung by a Lionfish.
Performance Requirements - PADI Lionfish Hunter specialty course certification training is typically conducted conducted with a brief classroom session and Lionfish removal tool workshop, followed by open water training dives. To achieve certification, you will need to:
• Participate in the classroom training session and complete the Lionfish Hunter Knowledge Review provided by your instructor.
• Participate in the Lionfish Removal Tool Workshop.
• Complete (2) Lionfish Hunter training dives with a PADI Lionfish Hunter Instructor.
Course Format - PADI Lionfish Hunter specialty courses are typically conducted from a dive boat or shore at local dive sites. Your classroom session, Lionfish removal tool workshop & two PADI Lionfish Hunter specialty training dives can be completed in one day.
What You Will Learn - You will learn the techniques involved in the usage of Lionfish removal systems, primarily the ELF Lionfish removal tool, and Lionfish containment devices, such as the Zookeeper™, within recreational limits, the use of the “Spotter” and “Hunter” method of Lionfish removal, how to avoid disturbing delicate marine life while hunting Lionfish, how to safely hunt & handle Lionfish and how to avoid being stung by a Lionfish.
Performance Requirements - PADI Lionfish Hunter specialty course certification training is typically conducted conducted with a brief classroom session and Lionfish removal tool workshop, followed by open water training dives. To achieve certification, you will need to:
• Participate in the classroom training session and complete the Lionfish Hunter Knowledge Review provided by your instructor.
• Participate in the Lionfish Removal Tool Workshop.
• Complete (2) Lionfish Hunter training dives with a PADI Lionfish Hunter Instructor.
Course Format - PADI Lionfish Hunter specialty courses are typically conducted from a dive boat or shore at local dive sites. Your classroom session, Lionfish removal tool workshop & two PADI Lionfish Hunter specialty training dives can be completed in one day.
CARRIACOU
Caribbean Reef Buddy - funded by GEF SGP to work with MPA and train divers to cull lionfish and sell to restaurants
Deefer Diving - Caribbean Lionfish Containment - Min. Age: 18 yrs. Dives: 2. Length: 1.5 days Cost: USD $160.00What are invasive lionfish, and what can we do to contain lionfish on our reefs? Learn about the Carriacou Lionfish Containment Programme and join our Lionfish Hunters!
Coral Watch - Min. Age: 10 yrs. Dives: 2. Length: 1.5 days Cost: USD $160.00 - Learn to identify coral found on Caribbean reefs, the importance of coral reef conservation, how to conduct Coral Watch surveys, and earn the Coral Watch distinctive specialty.
Caribbean Reef Buddy - funded by GEF SGP to work with MPA and train divers to cull lionfish and sell to restaurants
Deefer Diving - Caribbean Lionfish Containment - Min. Age: 18 yrs. Dives: 2. Length: 1.5 days Cost: USD $160.00What are invasive lionfish, and what can we do to contain lionfish on our reefs? Learn about the Carriacou Lionfish Containment Programme and join our Lionfish Hunters!
Coral Watch - Min. Age: 10 yrs. Dives: 2. Length: 1.5 days Cost: USD $160.00 - Learn to identify coral found on Caribbean reefs, the importance of coral reef conservation, how to conduct Coral Watch surveys, and earn the Coral Watch distinctive specialty.
CURACAO
Ocean Encounters - 2012 - The Lionfish Scuba Dive experience includes a short introduction about the invasion, a boat dive and of course, the dinner with the fresh catch of the day!
Scuba Lodge- Learn to search, find, and shoot underwater in your hunt for lionfish and help us preserve our reef. $85
Lionfish is the only fish that is legal to be caught while spearfishing in Curacao.
Ocean Encounters - 2012 - The Lionfish Scuba Dive experience includes a short introduction about the invasion, a boat dive and of course, the dinner with the fresh catch of the day!
Scuba Lodge- Learn to search, find, and shoot underwater in your hunt for lionfish and help us preserve our reef. $85
Lionfish is the only fish that is legal to be caught while spearfishing in Curacao.
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GUADELUPE
An-Ba Dlola - You can go spare fishing all year long in the clear and warm seas of the Caribbean. They are full of fishes, hold a lot of diversity and you can come across (and catch) species that you could dream of :jacks, mackerel, dolphin fish, marlin…National Instructor of Spare Fishing, Antoine can teach you or help you improve techniques that are suited to the Caribbean Sea.The outgoings are tailored to yourself, any subject of your choice can be tackled : equipment choice, having your crossbow ready, the choice of your fishing place, stealth improvement…The activity is open starting from 16 years old for the crossbow/spare gun use. Under 16 years old, we can introduce your teen to the use of the pole spear in order to catch his first lion-fishes, delicious to eat but a bit difficult to catch because of its poisonous fins.
An-Ba Dlola - You can go spare fishing all year long in the clear and warm seas of the Caribbean. They are full of fishes, hold a lot of diversity and you can come across (and catch) species that you could dream of :jacks, mackerel, dolphin fish, marlin…National Instructor of Spare Fishing, Antoine can teach you or help you improve techniques that are suited to the Caribbean Sea.The outgoings are tailored to yourself, any subject of your choice can be tackled : equipment choice, having your crossbow ready, the choice of your fishing place, stealth improvement…The activity is open starting from 16 years old for the crossbow/spare gun use. Under 16 years old, we can introduce your teen to the use of the pole spear in order to catch his first lion-fishes, delicious to eat but a bit difficult to catch because of its poisonous fins.
MARTINIQUE - French islands don’t allow tourists to hunt lionfish
MEXICO
Blue H2O Cozumel - offers all equipment to hunt lionfish and t-shirts. No mention of legislation
Triple Sail - $120 for two tank dive to hunt lionfish includes zoo keepers, will show divers how to use polespear
Blue H2O Cozumel - offers all equipment to hunt lionfish and t-shirts. No mention of legislation
Triple Sail - $120 for two tank dive to hunt lionfish includes zoo keepers, will show divers how to use polespear
MONTSERRAT
Aqua Montserrat - Join us on an underwater adventure, where we combine free diving and local culture, while we protect our marine eco-system! The added bonus, is you will be taught how best to handle Lion Fish and prepare it for a beach grill, so you too can #EatMoreLionFish. Lion Fish Hunting + Beach Grill (3 HRS)........ $55p/hr
Aqua Montserrat - Join us on an underwater adventure, where we combine free diving and local culture, while we protect our marine eco-system! The added bonus, is you will be taught how best to handle Lion Fish and prepare it for a beach grill, so you too can #EatMoreLionFish. Lion Fish Hunting + Beach Grill (3 HRS)........ $55p/hr
PANAMA
Golden Frog Scuba - member Reef Preservation Group of Panama ST MAARTEN - French islands do not allow visitors to spear fish
TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS - do not permit visitors to hunt lionfish
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USA
Alabama
Gary’s Gulf Divers & Lionfish Mafia (Orange Beach) - promotes catch and sell lionfish which sells for $3-5/pound
Gulf Coast Divers (Mobile) - Cull lionfish and participate in a 6 week lionfish tournament
Florida
Islamorada Dive Center (Islamorada) - Lionfish Eradication Course educates divers about invasive Lionfish, including the essential Lionfish facts and their progressive invasion of the North-western Atlantic and the Caribbean. The course explains why action is required now to control the population and describes a practical way to safely and humanely capture and euthanize these fish, along with behavioral characteristics. Two dives are included in the course for practical application of the knowledge. Upon completion, students will be issued a new PADI c-card. Charge $150 to take divers spearfishing which includes a private guide, speargun rents for $25.
US VIRGIN ISLANDS
Caribbean Oceanic Restoration and Education Foundation - EDUCATION - Invasive Lionfish Educational Materials C.O.R.E. has designed and distributed 6 different Educational materials throughout the USVI, BVI and Puerto Rico since 2009. Various educational materials were developed to provide quick facts about the invasion and its impact upon the environment. TRAINING - Invasive Lionfish Search and Response Training - C.O.R.E.'s Dive Directors are PADI Professionals as well as outstanding stewards of the environment. They conduct Search and Response Training, Community Lionfish Response and C.O.R.E. Response dives. Search and Response training was developed by the C.O.R.E. foundation and is endorsed by the U.S. National Park of St. John and U.S.V.I. Department of Parks and Natural Resources. C.O.R.E.'s training is listed as necessary training in several Invasive Species Management Plans. This has allowed C.O.R.E. trained Responders the opportunity to apply for Lionfish Extraction Permits in U.S.N.P. Marine Protected Waters.
Invasive Indo-Pacific Lionfish Systematic Search Training (Freediving and SCUBA)
Invasive Indo-Pacific Lionfish Collection Training (SCUBA)
Invasive Indo-Pacific Lionfish Extraction Training (Freediving and SCUBA)
PERMITS: Invasive Lionfish Extraction - C.O.R.E.'s CLRP training is endorsed by U.S. National Park St. John, USVI D.P.N.R. and N.O.A.A. to provide training for the U.S.V.I. This training has allowed C.O.R.E. trained members to apply for permits to extract lionfish from protected waters since 2011. To preserve Marine Protected Areas, maintenance of invasive species and pollution are just as important as prohibiting marine usage. It is important to continue invasive species management within Marine Protected Areas. Increasing culling efforts with trained, permitted individuals and groups are effective in decreasing population densities and frequency.
Alabama
Gary’s Gulf Divers & Lionfish Mafia (Orange Beach) - promotes catch and sell lionfish which sells for $3-5/pound
Gulf Coast Divers (Mobile) - Cull lionfish and participate in a 6 week lionfish tournament
Florida
Islamorada Dive Center (Islamorada) - Lionfish Eradication Course educates divers about invasive Lionfish, including the essential Lionfish facts and their progressive invasion of the North-western Atlantic and the Caribbean. The course explains why action is required now to control the population and describes a practical way to safely and humanely capture and euthanize these fish, along with behavioral characteristics. Two dives are included in the course for practical application of the knowledge. Upon completion, students will be issued a new PADI c-card. Charge $150 to take divers spearfishing which includes a private guide, speargun rents for $25.
US VIRGIN ISLANDS
Caribbean Oceanic Restoration and Education Foundation - EDUCATION - Invasive Lionfish Educational Materials C.O.R.E. has designed and distributed 6 different Educational materials throughout the USVI, BVI and Puerto Rico since 2009. Various educational materials were developed to provide quick facts about the invasion and its impact upon the environment. TRAINING - Invasive Lionfish Search and Response Training - C.O.R.E.'s Dive Directors are PADI Professionals as well as outstanding stewards of the environment. They conduct Search and Response Training, Community Lionfish Response and C.O.R.E. Response dives. Search and Response training was developed by the C.O.R.E. foundation and is endorsed by the U.S. National Park of St. John and U.S.V.I. Department of Parks and Natural Resources. C.O.R.E.'s training is listed as necessary training in several Invasive Species Management Plans. This has allowed C.O.R.E. trained Responders the opportunity to apply for Lionfish Extraction Permits in U.S.N.P. Marine Protected Waters.
Invasive Indo-Pacific Lionfish Systematic Search Training (Freediving and SCUBA)
Invasive Indo-Pacific Lionfish Collection Training (SCUBA)
Invasive Indo-Pacific Lionfish Extraction Training (Freediving and SCUBA)
PERMITS: Invasive Lionfish Extraction - C.O.R.E.'s CLRP training is endorsed by U.S. National Park St. John, USVI D.P.N.R. and N.O.A.A. to provide training for the U.S.V.I. This training has allowed C.O.R.E. trained members to apply for permits to extract lionfish from protected waters since 2011. To preserve Marine Protected Areas, maintenance of invasive species and pollution are just as important as prohibiting marine usage. It is important to continue invasive species management within Marine Protected Areas. Increasing culling efforts with trained, permitted individuals and groups are effective in decreasing population densities and frequency.
LINKS
lionfish.com Where to Hunt
lionfish.com Where to Hunt