LIONFISH AWARENESS AND CAPTURE WORKSHOP

Institute of Marine Affairs 6 December 2012 Chaguaramas

Goals and objectives

To introduce stakeholders to lionfish biology, and behavior in their natural habitat To provide an overview of the problems associated with invasive species and the invasion of lionfish into Caribbean waters To emphasize the importance of eliminating lionfish in the Caribbean by enabling divers to plan, organize and execute lionfish elimination dives in a safe and effective manner

Demonstrate specific elimination

techniques while still focusing on the environment

Demonstrate containment of

lionfish in lionfish containment unit

Demonstrate appropriate handling

techniques

Lionfish and Their Natural Habitat

How can you identify a Lionfish? What are their physical characteristics?

They can be difficult to find at times because they have specialized swim bladder muscles, which allow them to orient themselves horizontally, vertically and even upside down in the water. Because of this, they are often hiding upside down in holes and under ledges

Look-a-likes

Flying Gurnard or Sea Robin Closely related to the Atlantic Flying fish When disturbed, spreads ventral fins like wings Found almost exclusively on sandy bottom Not a threat to the reef

Look-a-likes

Harlequin Bass Not a lionfish Non-poisonous Not a risk to the reef

Look-a-likes

Crapaudfish or Toadfish Not a lionfish Plain ol ugly Some may be venomous Not a risk to the reef

Look-a-likes

Red-spotted Hawkfish While size and coloration are similar, long fins and plumes are missing Lionfish are stripped, not spotted Not a threat to the reef

Look-a-likes

Scorpionfish In the same family as the lionfish Also venomous spines (don't touch!) Lacks long dorsal, anal, and ventral spines Not a threat to the reef

Lionfish and Their Natural Habitat

What is the lionfishs natural habitat? Reef habitats in the Indo-Pacific Reefs to depths of greater than 50 m Generally consists of rocky regions on coral reefs What are the feeding patterns of lionfish?

Lionfish are voracious ambush predators; they herd smaller fish and crustaceans using their pectoral fins, then eat them quickly. Lionfish can withstand long periods of starvation due to the stomachs ability to stretch to over 30 times the original volume.

Invasive Species and Lionfish in the Caribbean

What is an invasive species? And why are invasive species a problem?

Non-native to the ecosystem Cause, or likely to cause, economic or

environmental harm or harm to humans

Cause extinction of native plants and

animals
Reduce biodiversity and alter native habitats Compete with native organisms for limited

resources
Economic costs Lionfish are by definition an invasive

species; native to the Indo-Pacific and they have impacts to native reef fish communities and to human health

Invasive Species and Lionfish in the Caribbean

What is the most likely theory of how lionfish arrived in Caribbean and Atlantic waters?

There are two species - collectively known as Lionfish Three Hypotheses: Deliberate release of captive lionfish Accidental releases of lionfish Ballast water of large ocean going vessels *Most likely a combination of many deliberate and accidental releases*

Invasive Species and Lionfish in the Caribbean

When did lionfish arrive in Caribbean and Atlantic waters? What is the distribution and density of lionfish in Caribbean and Atlantic waters?

Lionfish and Their Natural Habitat

What are the reproductive patterns of lionfish? How often can a lionfish reproduce? How many eggs can one lionfish produce? Sexual maturity within one to two years Larvae become free floating (as long as 26 days) and are dispersed over wide areas Can reproduce several times per month, year round (as often as every 45 day) Each lionfish can produce over two million eggs per year with 30,000 produced at each spawning event (15,000 per egg sac)

Lionfish and Their Natural Habitat

What are the lionfishs natural predators? Lionfish have few natural predators and we know little about the factors controlling lionfish densities in their native range. Possible predators may include: Cornetfish (Red sea) Shark Grouper Eels Other lionfish (cannibalistic) Disease and parasites

Lionfish and Their Natural Habitat

What are the hazards associated with lionfish? What are first aid procedures for stings? How do you avoid them?
Lionfish have venomous spines including 13 dorsal spines, 3 anal spines and 2 pelvic spines. Venom glands extend upwards three quarters towards the tip of the spine. When the tip of the spine is disturbed the skin is pushed back, causing the glandular tissue to rip and the venom to be released. Symptoms may include: Intense throbbing Radiating, sharp pain Tingling sensations Profuse sweating First Aid: Immerse the area in hot water, seek medical attention. Always be aware of the lionfish when in the water with them, and remember they can sting you after they are dead

Lionfish and Their Natural Habitat

Venomous Lionfish Spines

18 venomous spines: 13 dorsal spines, 3 anal spines and 2 pelvic spines

Lionfish and Their Natural Habitat

Getting stung by lionfish. What to do?

At the site of the injury the pain is accompanied by an intense throbbing which radiates out and reaches its full intensity after 60 to 90 minutes and lasts for 6 to 12 hours. It may persevere for days or weeks. Severity of the pain can differ amongst individuals and individual lionfish. In extreme cases the toxin may cause vomiting, seizures and cramps and if left untreated, abdominal pain and paralysis leading to complications of the respiratory system and heart Lionfish stings are best treated as soon as possible by placing the affected area in water as hot as one can stand and taking some painkillers, then seeking medical attention. Of course the best cure is prevention: if at all possible, look but dont touch

Invasive Species and Lionfish in the Caribbean

What is the characteristic habitat of lionfish in Caribbean and Atlantic waters?

What are the environmental impacts of lionfish in Caribbean and Atlantic waters?

Adapted to many different habitats as diverse as patch reef, mangrove, sea grass, and deep reef Habitat generalists Four feet to more than 750+ feet

Reef environments in the Caribbean are already under stress and biodiversity is low

Are there any predators for the lionfish in Caribbean and Atlantic waters? Not well documented Grouper? Spotted moray? Snappers?

Probable impacts include: Reduction of forage fish biomass leading to an increase in algal growth Risk of competition with native reef fish Parasite loads due to consumption of cleaner fish

Invasive Species and Lionfish in the Caribbean

What are the economic benefits for removing lionfish from Caribbean and Atlantic waters?
Socio-economic motivation to get Uses of lionfish:
Lionfish meat is non-toxic,

lionfish out of the water: Impacts on commercial fisheries Impacts on the aquarium trade Impacts on coastal tourism industries

mild, and firm, which makes them appealing to eat Lionfish venom may be promising for cancer research

LIONFISH ERADICATION

Elimination Techniques
Why do we need to learn elimination techniques? What are the three most common ways to help in elimination efforts? Because of their extensive geographical range, diversity of habitat, and the extreme depths they occupy, it is highly unlikely that the lionfish invasion can be reversed. Control efforts, such as the elimination techniques learned in this workshop, can limit the impacts on local reef communities.
Passive Sighting
Sight and report a lionfish for future removal

Active Collecting
Lionfish are caught and brought out of the water

Spearing
Use a spear to obtain a lionfish

Elimination Techniques

Sighting Lionfish
Most important type of elimination Always keep your eyes open for

lionfish when swimming, snorkeling or diving Look under ledges, into holes in reef, etc. Use environmental awareness Keep your distance Dont harass lionfish- if provoked often, lionfish will become skittish and hard to eliminate in the future Report all sighted and marked lionfish to local organizations (DMRF or IMA)

Elimination Techniques

Collecting Lionfish
Lionfish collection generally refers to collecting live specimens in a collection bag, but lionfish collection may also occur after a lionfish is deceased (such as when spearing). Collection is a good choice when spearing is not legal (such as in the Buccoo Reef Marine Park). A minimum of two divers should be used for underwater collection exercises Hazards: Close proximity to spines Spines still venomous after deceased Distraction from safe diving habits Techniques: Use proper equipment, buddy contact and environmental awareness Use object to move lionfish into an open area Use hand nets to catch the fish, or an object to corral the lionfish Carefully move the lionfish into the bag and seal it shut- follow procedures for the specific bag you have Continue to use caution Upon surfacing, take to local research center (DRMF or IMA) or enjoy as a meal. Equipment:
Puncture proof gloves Tool to help move fish Nylon mesh nets Collection bag Marker First aid / hot water Shears or pliers Collection data sheets

Elimination Techniques

Collecting Lionfish (video)

Elimination Techniques

Spearing Lionfish
Hazards: Close proximity to spines Spines still venomous after deceased Distraction from safe diving habits
General Techniques: Follow local laws and regulations Keep protective cover on, dont point at anybody Cock spear prior to advancing on lionfish Maintain good buoyancy control before approach lionfish Approach slowly, get close (closer), release tension Use EXTREME caution when removing from spear Carefully move lionfish into collecting bag On the surface, carefully place lionfish in cooler with ice take to or call your local research centre [DMRF or IMA]

Equipment: Puncture proof gloves Spear and accessories Collection bag Marker Shears or pliers First aid/ hot water Collection data sheets

Elimination Techniques

Spearing Lionfish (video)

Conclusions
What conclusions can be made about invasive lionfish in the Caribbean?

Potentially grave socio-economic impacts (fisheries) Coral reefs already stressed by climate change,

pollution, disease, over-fishing, sedimentation, and other stressors may become completely devastated as lionfish colonize more territory in the Caribbean.
Scientists have concluded that the lionfish populations

will continue to grow and cannot be totally eliminated using conventional methods. Due to their extensive geographical range, diversity of habitats and the depths they occupy, any major regional attempts to eradicate existing lionfish populations would be impractical.

Conclusions
What references and websites can you refer to in the future?
Some useful websites include:
INVASIVE LIONFSISH A Guide to control and Management

http://lionfish.gcfi.org/manual/
Florida Museum of Natural History Ichthyology Department general information on red lionfish:

http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/fish/gallery/descript/redlionfish/rlionfish.html

Various lionfish articles by NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration):

http://search.usa.gov/search?affiliate=noaa.gov&query=lionfish
Information from the NOAAs Coral Reef Information Systems January 2010 general assembly of the International Coral Reef Initiative: http://coris.noaa.gov/exchanges/lionfish/ To view USGS (US geological survey) lionfish distribution maps:

http://nas.er.usgs.gov/taxgroup/fish/lionfishdistribution.aspx
Lionfish fact sheet by USGS:

http://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.aspx?speciesID=963
Lionfish tissue repository:

http://lionfish-invasion.blogspot.com/

Who do you call?

In Tobago
Department of Marine Resources and Fisheries

639-4446/4354

In Trinidad
Institute of Marine Affairs 634-4291/4 ext.

2406 Fisheries Division 623-6028; 623-8542