Abstract

Invasive lionfish pose a significant threat to coral reef systems of the wider Caribbean. Coastal managers are now faced with the complex problem of lionfish management in addition to previous reef stressors such as overfishing, climate change, and pollution. To aid coastal managers with lionfish management, we have developed a comprehensive guide specifically for lionfish.Using outcomes of a best strategies workshop held in 2010 in Cancun, Mexico, we have compiled various field tested recommendations for lionfish outreach, control, monitoring, and research.Various perspectives are also provided for issues such as harvesting lionfish as a foodfish and the many gear types used during collection.Detailed instructions are also provided on capture to ensure safe handling.These principles were compiled by an international writing team and broad working group from several Caribbean countries and organizations to provide coastal managers with the most advanced techniques for controlling, monitoring, and developing research questions on invasive lionfish locally and regionally.