Abstract

In less than a decade, the Indo-Pacific lionfish has rapidly spread throughout the Atlantic and Caribbean regions. Marine ecosystems, as well as the fisheries-based economies of smaller Caribbean countries, will be adversely affected by the invasion of lionfish if not properly managed in a timely manner. The Caribbean Oceanic Restoration Education (CORE) Foundation has successfully developed and implemented an efficient, yet simple, lionfish management program using a bilateral marine manage-ment strategy, the Caribbean Lionfish Response Program. This two-pronged programmatic approach includes placing divers in the water to locate and remove the non-native Indo-Pacific lionfish species, while simultaneously educating local and visiting user groups, youth, and the general public on the threat that lionfish pose to Caribbean environs, fisheries, and tourism. Working together with local agencies, environmental organizations, dive shops, divers, local fishermen and tourists allows CORE to utilize all resources as one. CORE has also established the Caribbean Alliance, a collaborative partnership between other territories and countries throughout the Caribbean. As a result, all parties involved are moving forward together with the common goal of maintaining the critical environmental balance of the Caribbean’s beautiful underwater world. This paper will provide unique insights into how CORE has built and maintained a practical/field-tested marine invasive species eradication/public awareness program. CORE is sincerely committed to not only working with their exiting partners, but also hopes that their successes and failures can be shared with other agencies and organizations, thus providing a tested model for areas facing similar catastrophic oceanic management challenges.

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