|
Scuba Diving News
|
|
Tuesday, 09 February 2010 23:15 |
Lionfish are taking over the Carribean. A huge increase in populations over the last two years have caused problems, as these invasive critters disrupt reef life, fish habitats and even the odd diver.
There are many different theories that try to explain the population boom of Lionfish, but one dive operator in Bonaire has decided to take matters into his own hands.
Between March 6th - 13th, the first "Lionfish Wrangler" event will take place at Captain Don's Habitat - and he's offering bounties for finding Lionfish.
Wanted: Lionfish
Each dive trip, divers will be given marker ribbons to mark locations of Lionfish they spot and official Marine Park Lionfish Wranglers will capture the Lionfish. Sound easy? Well, Captain Don's is offering $120 credit for the first Lionfish you spot that's caught and a further $60 credit for each one after that.
According to Jack Chalk, manager at Habitat, "We know we won't be able to track and eliminate all of the lionfish that are out there, but we can certainly try and control the problem. To date, Marine Park Officials have captured 76 lionfish and this is just the start."
There will also be Lionfish capture workshops during the week as well as lectures on the behavior and potential threat that the Lionfish presents not only to Bonaire but to the entire Caribbean.
This is just the first of perhaps many Lionfish "wrangler" events. For more details, call 1-800-327-6709 or contact your favorite Dive Travel Agency to make a reservation.
|
