Many of you may have already heard about the threat that is facing our precious coral reefs… the Lionfish. If you haven’t, it’s time to learn about this new invasive species, and spread the word to all snorkelers and divers you know. In late 2008, the first lionfish found in St. Croix off the Frederiksted pier by divers from N2 the Blue Dive Shop and was captured and turned into The Department of Planning and Natural Resources. Despite their exotic and beautiful appearance, the lionfish is one of the most dangerous threats to the ecosystem of the coral reef.
The lionfish is a species native to the Indian-Pacific Ocean, and began popping up in the Atlantic Ocean area in the early 2000s. Some speculate that their appearance may be due to their presence in exotic aquariums in the States.
Lionfish are distinctive for their brown or maroon and white striped appearance and for the long venomous spines on their fins. These spines are used 
defensively and are not lethal to humans, though if stung, some people often have strong reactions beyond just pain, redness and swelling, such as headaches, cramps, nausea, paralysis and seizures.
The real threat posed by the lionfish is their voracious appetite for smaller fish—it is said they will eat anything that swims. Because of their striking natural defense mechanisms in their spiny fins, they have few predators and exist at the top of the food chain. They often corner smaller fish with their intimidating spines. They have already overtaken reefs in North Carolina, and 85% of young fish on reefs in the Bahamas were lost in a matter of just 5 weeks due to the lionfish, disrupting the delicate ecosystem of varied animals that keep the reefs alive and healthy. With their presence noted in St. Croix, it is of utmost importance that we monitor their presence and preserve our world-class reefs.
Michelle Pugh at Dive Experience told me that St. Croix has the best response team to this invasive species she has seen so far, and I think that is due to the early awareness and proactive organization of the community in partnership with Fish & Wildlife. In spreading the word to locals and tourists alike, everyone who goes for a snorkel or a dive in our beautiful tropical waters can be on the lookout for these stripy, spiny predators. Michelle herself has found two lionfish at the Salt River underwater canyon.
Lionfish stay within an area of five feet for several days at a time, so divers who spot one can leave a marker and then alert DPNR Fish & Wildlife, or even just let one of the local dive shops know so they can contact the right people to search for and capture the fish. The homemade markers are made of a metal washer connected to a wine cork wrapped in red tape. This DIY flag works well for marking a spot where a lionfish was spotted, and you can pick some up from DPNR, Fish & Wildlife, The Nature Conservancy and most dive shops, along with an information card with a photo.
IF YOU SEE A LIONFISH:
1- Do not touch it! Lionfish spikes are highly poisonous!
2- Mark the location with a cork streamer. Take a GPS reading if you can or get a detailed description of the location.
3- Call DPNR immediately (anytime, 24/7) to report the sighting: (340) 643-0800 or (340) 773-1082.
4- Fill out the Lionfish reporting form from DPNR.
Dive Experience also does free dive trips once a month for experienced divers to search for lionfish at Buck Island National Monument and East End Marine Park. It’s a great (FREE) dive trip and is also a fantastic way to give back to the community and keep our St. Croix marine ecosystems free of this dangerous predator. You do have to be experienced and have navigational skills as a diver to go on this trip. The three tank dive takes place the last Saturday of every month and includes two dives at Buck Island and one at East End Marine Park. Pack a lunch for a picnic at the beach at Buck! If you’re a SCUBA enthusiast visiting St. Croix, it’s a great way to give back to our island by searching out lionfish, and you get a free dive trip out of it!
Please spread the word about the lionfish, the only way we can really combat this threat is with widespread knowledge throughout our community. Be sure you know what a lionfish looks like and to contact authorities as soon as you see one. Be sure to pick up a marker before your next dive or snorkel trip!
Read more about the lionfish here:
USVI Department of Planning and Natural Resources
Hey Katie, I added your blog to http://www.lovetolime.com. Let’s all spread the good word on the USVI
Thanks for linking us to your site! Looks great–we will be checking in regularly!