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Lionfish arrive in Bonaire and Curacao... 
The Porto Mari Lionfish, 2nd one spotted in Curacao :o(
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Jack & Fiona who spotted the lionfish
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The absolutely beautiful but highly unwelcome lionfish has finally arrived in Bonaire and Curacao. The Pacific Lionfish or Red Lionfish has been rapidly spreading throughout the Caribbean waters since the first sighting in Florida Bay in 1992. Marine biologists believe that the fish escaped from an aquarium during Hurricane Andrew or was released by aquarists. Lionfish are dangerous to our local eco systems. With no natural predators, they are unbalancing the delicate eco-system by eating fish that simply aren't adapted to avoiding these ravenous predators, ultimately threatening the survival of the entire eco-system. Lionfish can grow up to 45 cm in length and their long sharp spines inject a poison that is excruciatingly painful to humans, similar in effect to a scorpionfish sting. They inhabit coral reefs in depths of about 10 to 175 m. Go here for more information, The first lionfish was spotted and captured at Watamula on the West end of Curacao on 28 October. The second today, 3 November, by Dive Bus diver, Jack Wesolek whilst diving with Mark at Porto Mari. Jack also took these amazing photos of this strange, beautiful creature. Samples of these lionfish will be sent to the REEF foundation which has set up a lionfish research program for the whole region to compare their DNA and track their dispersion all over the region.
What we can do... The Lionfish Action Plan: It's highly unlikely that we can prevent the spread of these fish, but we can do our best to slow it down as much as possible: - Dive professionals have been asked to capture all lionfish found in Curacao. So if you spot one, please report it to us at The Dive Bus immediately ,with as much detail as possible including photos, clear details of location, size, depth etc. We will notifiy the relevant agencies and research groups.
- If you are not putting yourself in danger from the lionfish spines (which are toxic and deliver a nasty reaction similar to that of a scorpion fish) capture it and, if possible, kill it.
- Dive Bus crew members are carrying gloves and large plastic bags for capturing lionfish spotted during dives. Any captured will be passed to CARMABI for research.
Thanks for your help. |
