Spearing a Lion fish

[db83]

Hmm. this could be a reason why I learn to spear. I'm helping the ecosystem! yeah, my gf would go for that.

[scubarobin]

Originally Posted by TJDiver

Here's one of many articles on the subject. Spreading Lionfish Invasion Threatens Bahamas : NPR

One very interesting and scary quote from the article:

"Last year, Hixon co-authored a study with Mark Albins that showed a lionfish can kill three-quarters of a reef's fish population in just five weeks."

If that statement is indeed accurate, the lionfish is quite a destructive little creature in non-native waters. Another article I read on this subject, also told of how lionfish prey on the wrasse, gobies, and other species that serve as our reefs' cleaning stations.

there was an interesting article posted somewhere recently about autopsies performed on lionfish caught in florida keys - bellies were full of juvenile fish of all kinds, but grouper seemed to be the most prevalent. (I think they said one lionfish had 30+ juvie grouper in his belly). That is horrible, as most groupers live a long, long time and don't reach breeding maturity for many years. So if all the juvies are killed before able to reproduce, we will no longer have groupers.

[BMac]

On trip to NC last year the Lionfish were all over wreck of the U352. Literally dozens of them. One dive op is now holding a monthly roundup.

They are edible, only the spines have poison. Recently, they were introduced to diners in New York and Chicago to good reviews, via sea2table.

www.diverwire.com/scuba-diving-features/188-lionfish-roundup-unique-environmental-solution.html

Last week they took over 600 of them on a special licensed hunt off Cayman. It's an uphill battle since the little critters can knock out 30,000 eggs a month.

www.caycompass.com/cgi-bin/CFPnews.cgi?ID=10386528