Abstract

Invasive lionfish (Pterois volitans and P. miles) are now common throughout the temperate and tropical western Atlantic, where they are likely to cause severe ecological and economic impacts. To address the invasion, many locations are developing lionfish control programs.Lionfish derbies are becoming popular components of these programs. While derbies in the Bahamas and Florida Keys have removed more than 5,000 fish over the last two years, it is not yet clear whether this level of removal effort provides control of local lionfish populations. However, these derbies have provided opportunities and incentives for a broad group of stakeholders to participate in local marine conservation actions, and a forum for increasing their knowledge about the invasion and its potential effects on local natural resources.;Using examples and results from recent derbies in the Bahamas and Florida, we examine the components necessary to create effective derbies. We discuss successful strategies for developing funding, outreach and education, training, and research components. We also identify some drawbacks and limitations to the current use of derbies as a means of lionfish control and directions for future work.