Abstract

The first record of lionfish (Pterois volitans) in the Biosphere Reserve Banco Chinchorro (RBBCH) as well as in Xca-lak Reef National Park was in 2009. Since then the density and distribution of this species have been increasing. However, due to the extension and remoteness of the mentioned reefs, large financial investment and human resources are required for the control and monitoring of lionfish. This study analyzed the importance of the fisheries sector in such activities. Between 2009 and 2014, a 14x increase in catch per unit effort (CPUE) was recorded, from 0.10 to 1.47 fish/fisher/hour, by means of freediving. Additionally, in the RBBCH a group of fishermen was trained for the catch using scuba diving; thus in 2012 and 2013 CPUE was 23.2 and 18.6 fish/diver/hour, respectively. These efforts were focused on areas related to higher abundan-ces. Furthermore, this collaboration allowed the analysis of 594 stomachs, with an emptiness ratio of 19%; 13 fish families were identified, which constituted 62% of the diet, while 37% of it were crustaceans and 0.2% mollusks. Finally, interviews with fishers showed that everyone knows the problem and contribute to the catches during daily work, besides, a high per-centage also use this product for consumption and lobster food, although do not rule out the possibility of marketing it to local restaurants. Our results demonstrate the active participation of the fisheries sector and hence the need for their inclu-sion in the monitoring and control strategies at the local level.

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