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Efficacy of Various Removal Strategies on Invasive Lionfish Population

Shayla Haiflich

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi

1301: Composition I

Dr. Frances Johnson

19 November 2021
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Efficacy of various removal strategies on invasive lionfish population

The invasive lionfish species, Pterois volitans, makes significant impacts on reefs in the

Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico (Ballew, et al., 2016). In marine ecosystems,

the lionfish pose a threat to native fish species and may affect the many food chains that exist

(Chagaris, et al., 2017). The population of lionfish is concerning, due to their venomous spines

and the ecological effects they have on reef communities (Barbour, et al., 2011). The invasion of

lionfish is predicted to be the result of lionfish release events during the late 1980s and 1990s

(Ballew, et al., 2016). Currently, divers, scientists, and local organizations are working together

to test various lionfish removal strategies, in order to manage the invasive lionfish population.

Trained divers have made an effort to remove thousands of lionfish from reefs by using the

spearfishing technique in the northern Gulf of Mexico, using the “Gittings” trap method, or

consuming lionfish.

Common lionfish removal strategies

Spearfishing

Because the invasive lionfish species is one of the most damaging invasive species,

divers began to use spear guns to capture and remove lionfish from reef communities (de León,

et al., 2013). Lionfish are not usually caught by traditional hook and line fisheries, so divers have

used spearfishing as the most effective and accepted method (Blakeway, et al., 2021). Diver

spearfishing removals have removed tens of thousands of lionfish, annually (Harris, et al., 2019).

Spearfishing for lionfish is highly effective and does not require a professional skill level (Dahl

& Patterson, 2017). Lionfish generally swim relatively slow and do not try to swim away from

divers, so this makes it easier to remove them (Dahl & Patterson, 2017). Spearfishing both

maximizes and standardizes the effort to limit any possible damage to reefs or injuring native
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species of fish (Harms-Tuohy, et al., 2018). In recent years, there has been work done to improve

lionfish traps, as well as the development of underwater robots used to spear and collect lionfish

in areas too deep for recreational divers (Davis, et al., 2021).

“Gittings” trap method

The Gittings trap was designed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation

Commission and the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The trap

is made from rebar, mesh nylon netting, two-line harnesses, Dyneema fiber rope, subsurface

floats, and a plastic lattice. The Gittings trap is descended at various distances from the reef

either by itself or two at a time. The deflector opens the trap once it reaches the seafloor. The

subsurface float keeps the lines from tangling. The plastic lattice attracts the lionfish to the trap.

When the retrieval occurs, the deflectors close as the line is pulled up to the boat (Harris, et al.,

2020). When the Gittings traps were tested near the artificial reefs, the efficiency of the traps was

up to 26% (Harris, et al., 2020).

Lionfish consumption

The willingness to consume lionfish may help to control the abundant lionfish population

around the world. So far, lionfish consumption has been mainly promoted in the United States,

The Bahamas, Belize, Colombia, and Mexico (Carrillo-flota & Aguilar-perera, 2017). Education

that individuals have about lionfish affects the connection between the environment around us,

lionfish knowledge, and lionfish concern with the willingness to consume lionfish. Lionfish meat

is similar in taste and texture to certain grouper species and may become successful in seafood
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markets in Texas (Blakeway, et al., 2021). The meat from lionfish fillets contains a high

concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids, which contributes to numerous health benefits

(Morris, et al., 2011). The pricing, availability, and health benefits all contribute to the

willingness of humans in consuming lionfish (Blakeway, et al., 2021).

Conclusion

Despite the various removal strategies and efficacies, the invasive lionfish population is

still being managed. Because the Gittings trap and lionfish consumption strategies are new, there

is still room for their efficacy levels to increase. Designing effective local management for

invasive species poses a major challenge for conservation, yet there are still scientists and trained

professionals studying the lionfish and designing new removal strategies to find more efficient

ways to remove and manage the abundant species (Davis, et al., 2021).
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References

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Carrillo-flota, E. D. C., & Aguilar-perera, A. (2017). Stakeholder perceptions of red lionfish (Pterois

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