Abstract

The countries of the Wider Caribbean with their vibrant coral reefs are major tourist destinations bringing billions of dollars to the Caribbean annually. The importance of reef resources is invaluable to local economies and cultures. Invasive Alien Species (IAS) are considered one of the major threats to native species and habitats in the Caribbean. Recognizing the urgency of the lionfish invasion and the need to develop clear recommendations for local control, a special workshop was organized by an international team including the International Coral Reef Initiative, REEF, NOAA, and SPAW-RAC in August 2010 in Cancun, Mexico. With 47 participants representing over 25 organizations from 20 countries and territories of the Wider Caribbean, this workshop identified many of the best strategies for addressing the lionfish invasion. The results of this workshop have been published — Invasive Lionfish: A Guide to Control and Management — Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute Special Publication Series Number 1 (English) and Number 2 (Spanish).

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