Save the Ocean by Hunting Invasive Lionfish

Imagine diving a beautiful reef wall in the Caribbean, looking for exciting marine life, when suddenly you spot - you’ve guessed it - a lionfish. And then another, and another...

It seems like every place that should shelter a moray, a lobster, a nurse shark, or some other fabulous creature is now occupied with a lionfish. I first started to notice this on a dive seven years ago and now, I’m a lionfish hunter.

Over 60 juvenile reef fish were removed from the stomach of this lionfish - Photo credit: Alexandra Ward, Caribbean Reef Buddy

Why Are Lionfish So Harmful?

Lionfish are an invasive species in the Caribbean region, where they first appeared over 30 years ago. They have tremendous appetites and prey on juvenile fish, small crustaceans as well as each other. They can consume up to four times their own body weight in the space of a day!

Invasive lionfish have no natural predators, and their incredible adaptability allows them to spread rapidly. Therefore, they can inflict severe damage to local fish populations and marine ecosystems along the way.

How To Become a Lionfish Hunter

If you are an experienced diver who frequently dives in areas where invasive lionfish are found, you may want to consider learning how to spearfish. Every invasive lionfish you remove from the reef helps to protect local fish populations.

Becoming a hunter is simple. First, check with a local dive shop as to whether they offer invasive lionfish hunting. Then you can complete orientation on how to use a spear and learn how to safely handle lionfish.

Some dive operations offer a complete Invasive Lionfish Containment training course. You may even be able to rent a spear or purchase your own. Just be sure when you’re planning your dives that you are permitted to hunt in that area.

Invasive lionfish can now be found in all parts of the Caribbean. - Photo credit: Alexandra Ward

Equipment Needed to Hunt Invasive Lionfish

Lionfish Spear with a Paralyser Tip

Also known as a Hawaiian sling, this pole spear is usually around 2-5 feet long, with an elastic sling affixed to one end. On the other end of the pole spear is typically a 3 or 6 pronged paralyser speartip.

The prongs have barbs to prevent the lionfish from sliding off the spear. Spears can be made from fibreglass or aluminium. The simplest is just one piece, but longer spears may come in 2-3 pieces that screw together.

Why Not Use a Spear Gun?

Since you’ll be hunting very close to the reef, and Hawaiian slings are gentler on the substrate if you miss your lionfish - and at some point, you will!. The paralyser spear tips are also specially designed to make it easy to remove your lionfish from the spear.

Lionfish Containment Unit or “Zookeeper”

Lionfish have 18 venomous spines that can give a nasty sting. This is not a fish to put in your bag or on a fish stringer! You will need a sturdy rigid container with a funnel or flap at one end to safely hold your lionfish.

These are available for purchase, or you can make your own. You may often hear this referred to as a Zookeeper, one of the first brands to make these commercially.

Staying Safe When Lionfish Hunting

You can hunt invasive lionfish with a good conscience. It’s exciting, fun, and you are helping to protect the life on our reefs! But make sure you stay safe by following these simple safety steps:

• Buoyancy Control
  Make sure you are comfortable with your position in the water. Take slow even breaths as you approach the lionfish. Check for fire coral or other hazards, including other lionfish. Be aware of where your fins are - you don’t want to be kicking coral!

• Air / Depth / Time
  Check all of these frequently. It’s remarkable how quickly time passes when you’re having fun! And that big lionfish is somehow always right below you luring you deeper. So wear a dive computer, check your no-deco time frequently, and check your air after every shot.

• Stay Close To Your Buddy
  This one can be so tough to keep track of when you’re both hunting lionfish. Make sure you check where your buddy is after every shot. Have an underwater signalling device to get their attention. Usually, it’s best to buddy up a hunter with a spotter who looks for lionfish but doesn’t hunt.

Lionfish Sting Injuries

Lionfish spines are incredibly sharp, and the venom stays active for several hours after the fish has died. So once you’ve speared your lionfish, it needs to go straight into a containment unit. Take care to keep your hands away from the fish’s body and remove the spines using EMT scissors before handling.

How To Treat Lionfish Stings

If you get stung, don’t panic. Lionfish venom is a neurotoxin, so it hurts a lot. However, it’s not deadly and can be treated easily by soaking the afflicted area in hot, but not scalding, water.

Lionfish venom denatures in temperatures around 45℃. Therefore, you will need to keep adding more hot water over time, usually an hour or two. Lionfish stings typically don’t require any other treatment or medication but seek medical attention immediately if anything causes you concern.

Tip for longer boat rides: Take along a thermos flask with hot water in case of stings. Then you can mix a little with cold water in a bowl/bucket to get the right temperature to treat your sting on the way back to shore.

What To Do with Your Lionfish Catch

Eat them! Lionfish are delicious, and there is a huge variety of recipes out there for cooking them. From lionfish ceviche, fresh lionfish grilled on the beach, fish fritters, and even lionfish in beer batter! You can even poach small lionfish to remove the bones and make a treat for your cat or dog.

Preserve lionfish fins by freezing them, giving them to an artist or jewellery maker, or starting a creative project yourself. Lionfish fins make fabulous jewellery and decorations!