Abstract

The majority of lionfish control has been through diver-based removals. This strategy is successful at reducing densities and minimizing impacts on specific reefs. However, due to costs, limited bottom time and operable depths, this alone is not an effective large-scale (kilometers of reef) control technique. Lionfish exhibit high association with a variety of natural and artificial structures. Observations in Florida, Gulf of Mexico, and The Bahamas suggest lionfish may actually prefer artificial structure over natural. Based on these observations, we hypothesized that artificial structure could be used to attract lionfish and aggregate them around the structures. To test this hypothesis, we are experimentally testing two Lionfish Aggregating Device (LAD) types (a vertical and horizontal design) across several kilometers of seagrass, patch reef, continuous coral reef, and hard-bottom habitats in the Florida Keys and North Carolina. To support field work, we are conducting laboratory trials in 15,000 and 30,000 liter aquaria to test lionfish preference for different LAD designs and various attractants (sounds, decoys, and lights). Preliminary laboratory results, based on nine individual (single lionfish) and nine group (five lionfish) trials, suggest lionfish do have strong preference for one structure over the other, but preference changes as the number of lionfish increases. If successful, LADs will provide an opportunity for spearfisheres to perform targeted removals, particularly at deeper depths. Managers will be able to incorporate LADs into ongoing control strategies. LADs would allow for control across several kilometers of habitat and will help maximize efficiency in areas where resources are limited.

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