FLORIDA KEYS LIONFISH INVASION

PLEASE REPORT ALL SIGHTINGS AND CAPTURES!

Native to the Indo-Pacific and the Red Sea, lionfish (Pterois volitans) were first documented in Atlantic waters in the early 1990s. In January 2009, the first reported lionfish in the Florida Keys was confirmed by the capture of a 2” juvenile. Even though eradication efforts were quickly initiated, Lionfish have since established themselves in the Florida Keys, as well as throughout Florida’s east coast and the Caribbean. (click here for time lapse of invasion)

Lionfish are voracious predators, which consume large quantities of native fish and crustaceans, meanwhile not having a known predator. These pests are causing a major disturbance in an already sensitive ecosystem.

Lionfish have venomous spines which can cause painful injury that can last for days and may cause respiratory distress. If you are stung, immerse your wound in hot water (100-110°F or 38-40°C) for 15-20 minutes. It is also recommended that you call the Aquatic Toxins Hotline (888-232-8635) at the Florida Poison Information Center in Miami, where medical experts will advise you immediately.

This invasive species has scientists and resource managers concerned about its long-term impact on marine fisheries, habitat, and ecosystem function. With this species on the increase, Mote Marine Laboratory has formed a cooperative effort with the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, NOAA’s National Ocean Service (NOS) and Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF) for reporting, removing, and gathering valuable data on lionfish in the Florida Keys. In addition, all Mote staff have received training on proper capture and handling techniques to ensure the rapid removal of this invasive species from throughout the FKNMS, including within Sanctuary Preservation Areas (SPA’s).

If you capture a lionfish, please save/freeze the carcass and drop off at Mote Marine Laboratory on Summerland Key or Click Here for a list of other drop off locations.

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO REPORT ONLINE

For more informations contact:
Mote Marine Laboratory at (305) 395-8730 or cwalter@mote.org

Additional Links:
http://floridakeys.noaa.gov/lionfish.html
http://www.ccfhr.noaa.gov/stressors/Lionfish
http://www.reef.org/programs/exotic/lionfish
http://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.asp?speciesID=963

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Mote Marine Laboratory - Tropical Research Laboratory
24244 Overseas Highway, Summerland Key, Florida 33042
(305)745-2729 - (305) 745-2730(FAX) - TRL-info@mote.org

Mote Marine Laboratory is working with REEF, FKNMS, NOAA, and USGS to provide community based rapid reporting and removal of invasive lionfish in the Florida Keys.

Coordinated Reporting Network
(USGS Lionfish Sightings Database)