Abstract

Invasive lionfish were first documented in Florida Keys waters in 2009 and have shown a dramatic increase in distribution and abundance in a variety of habitats. Severe impacts to small-bodied reef fishes have been documented in other areas of the invaded region. Local control through diver removals has been effective at minimizing populations and impacts at shallow diving depths, but little has been done to target lionfish in deeper waters. The Florida Keys spiny lobster fishery generates approximately $12,650,000 gross revenue per year from sales of lobster caught in traps deployed in coastal areas between depths of 15 and 190 feet. Commercial fishermen began reporting bycatch of lionfish in deep water fishing grounds in 2009. Here we examine lionfish bycatch to understand the distribution and composition of deep water populations, determine trap catch rates, and evaluate the potential impact of lionfish on the fishery. The first evidence of impacts to the commercial fishery included observing lionfish as the second most common bycatch and a reduction in lobster landings when lionfish are present in traps.

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