Invasive Lionfish

Native to the tropical Indo-Pacific region, lionfish are often kept in both public and private aquariums. Since 2000, however, lionfish have been observed, primarily by SCUBA divers in coral, rocky and artificial reefs along the southeast coast of the U.S., from Florida to North Carolina and also throughout the Bahamas, Bermuda and Cuba. In more recent years lionfish have also been caught by bottom fishing anglers. Scientists expect lionfish to continue to disperse throughout the Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico and the Florida Keys. There is also increasing concern among fishery scientists that lionfish, having no natural enemies, may adversely impact natural fish populations. In addition, this fish has venomous spines and may pose a danger to divers and anglers alike. NOAA would like to encourage divers and fishermen to be extremely cautious and avoid contact with the venomous spines of the lionfish and to help us spread the word to others by posting and distributing the informational flyers (located on this web site)

If you or someone you know gets "stung" by the venomous spines, (all the spines are venomous, see figure below) they are advised to immerse wound in hot water for 30 - 90 minutes and seek medical attention as soon as possible. Divers, boaters or anglers in the Florida Keys who have seen or caught a lionfish, please report all sightings immediately to the FKNMS-supported Marine Ecosystem Event Response and Assessment (MEERA) program at (305) 395-8730, or email cwalter@mote.org. If possible, note the location of the sighting (GPS coordinates, mooring buoys etc).

For additional information:
http://www.reef.org/programs/exotic/lionfish
http://www.ccfhr.noaa.gov/stressors/invasivespecies/Lionfish
http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/education/lionfish.html
http://lionfish.eisf.org
or google "lionfish outreach"