Abstract

Mesophotic (40-300 m) reefs provide a refuge for high densities of invasive lionfish (Pterois volitans / miles) in the northern Gulf of Mexico (nGOM). There is a burgeoning spearfishing fishery for lionfish, but fishing capacity mostly limited to conventional SCUBA depths <40 m. Although lionfish are occasionally caught in deeper water as bycatch via hook and line, lobster traps, or shrimp trawls, catch rates from these fishing methods are low. A non- containment curtain (NCC) trap designed to attract lionfish using benthic structure is being tested as a method for deepwater lionfish removal. Twelve NCC traps were constructed and deployed near artificial reef sites in the northern Gulf of Mexico (nGOM). Time-lapse camera units were installed to record recruitment of lionfish and other species to the traps. Lionfish recruitment, lionfish catch, lionfish reduction at adjacent reefs, and bycatch of other species were evaluated in relation to soak time (number of days), time of day at retrieval (dawn, midday, or dusk), trap deployment density (single or paired), and proximity to adjacent reefs (<10 m, 10-30 m, or >50 m). Initial trials were successful in attracting lionfish to the NCC trap with minimal bycatch. Preliminary results indicate the lionfish recruitment was highest for single traps deployed <10 m to reefs. Lionfish recruitment to traps decreased during longer soak times, suggesting lionfish may recruit quickly and then leave. Results from this study will be used to develop a standardized gear and methodology for a larger study to evaluate the efficacy of three trapping gears (NCC traps, lobster traps, and Atlantic sea bass pots) to remove lionfish from nGOM mesophotic reefs. Lionfish trapping may offer a cost-effective means to develop a deepwater fishery for lionfish on mesophotic reefs and refuge ecosystems.

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