How can I help, I want to euthanize Lionfish?
PADI has a Distinctive Specialty Course. “Invasive Lionfish Tracker“
Native to the Pacific Ocean, lionfish are progressively invading the north-western Atlantic and the Caribbean, where they have no natural predators. Learn what action is needed to control the lionfish population and, during two scuba dives, learn practical ways to safely capture and euthanize these fish.
Source: PADI
Invasive species are a massive problem worldwide.
How can I help, I want to euthanize Lionfish?
Defined as nonnative species that become established outside of their native range, and whose introduction causes harm or is likely to cause harm, invasives can disrupt natural habitats, hurt local economies and threaten human health. Invasives cause billions of dollars of damage every year, and approximately 42% of species that are listed as Threatened or Endangered in the U.S. are at risk primarily due to invasives. Invasive species are found in practically every ecosystem in the world—including our ocean.
No matter where you live, chances are you’ll be able to find invasive species volunteer opportunities nearby. Check out your closest state or national park’s website to see if they host invasive species walks—many organize half-day hikes where you learn to identify and removal invasive plants. Some state governments, including New Hampshire, Virginia and Massachusetts, organize training programs where you can become a “Weed Warrior” and are certified to conduct removals on state property. It’s easy to combine invasive species removal with other recreation, too—you can hire guides to spearfish for lionfish, or bow hunt for snakehead, for example.
Can’t find a removal event nearby? Organize your own! Learn to identify and effectively remove invasive plants in your area (just make sure you’re not accidentally removing a native species). And if you see an unfamiliar plant or animal in your community, report it to a local environmental, state or academic group specializing in invasive species management.
- Get open water certified to dive.
- Learn PADI’s Distinctive Specialty Count: Invasive Lionfish Tracker”
- Buy Lionfish hunting gear
- Join REEF
- Make donations to help other organizations.
- Volunteer for Fish Survey Projects
- Participate in a Lionfish Derby
- Do a snorkel survey
- Host a Lionfish Derby (FWC will help too)
- Hunt Them! Divers Needed.
- Stop Importing Them! Ban lionfish as aquarium imports.
- Smartphone App! Divers report sightings.
- Don’t feed them to other ocean life! It trains sharks and so forth to associate eating with divers.
- There are resources to teach kids too!
- Eat them!
Need to find an instructor?
Would you like a private class to become certified?
Are you a shop and would like to schedule a class to teach your divers?
The ZooKeeper Team loves to teach!
Contact us to discuss opportunities.
Info@LionfishZK.com
