Abstract

Indo-Pacific lionfish, Pterois spp., have established themselves in the western Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean Sea. Lionfish have the potential to severely damage the marine ecosystems that they have invaded. These inva-sive fish may significantly reduce native fish populations through a combination of direct predation and indirect competi-tion for resources. To date, the most effective technique for managing lionfish populations is targeted removals with spears by SCUBA divers. Currently, local scientists, dive operators, and volunteers conduct weekly lionfish culls on Little Cay-man, Cayman Islands. As part of a continued monitoring effort that began in 2011, data regarding lionfish catch per unit effort (CPUE) as well as total length and weight of all lionfish caught have been recorded for these lionfish culls. Transect surveys on select sites on Little Cayman have shown that targeted removals decrease lionfish density as well as size distri-bution. The long-term data set from a volunteer culling program further supports the positive effects of these efforts. Lion-fish densities across culled sites within the marine parks were lower than those at unculled sites, and average total length was also significantly lower at culled sites. These are encouraging results, as they indicate that targeted lionfish removals can help control the lionfish population and thereby lessen the local impacts of this invasive species. Distribution and re-plenishment rate of lionfish populations around the island varies both spatially and temporally. This information can be applied to improve culling strategy and overall efficiency and effectiveness of the volunteer program.

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