Lionfish Research Trips in the Bahamas

Join REEF staff, marine researchers and aquarists in working to address the recent invasion of Indo-Pacific Lionfish in Atlantic waters.

With the recent explosion in lionfish abundance and distribution in tropical Atlantic waters, researchers are scrambling to gather information, helping to paint a picture of the potential impacts. REEF is taking a leading role in the field to help gather information and specimens needed by researchers to answer key questions on lionfish impacts. REEF is working with Bruce Purdy's Blackbeard Cruises, Aquacat and Cat Ppalu liveaboard vessels to conduct week-long expeditions. Each project has a slightly different focus and will be addressing specific questions related to lionfish impacts. Research is being coordinated with the College of the Bahamas as well as the NOAA research lab in Beaufort, NC to provide data needed for ongoing investigations. Each project will be lead by REEF staff as well as guest researchers, aquarium staff and or Bahamian representatives.

March 8-15, 2008 Aqua Cat Cruises in Exumas and Eleuthera - $2195.00 pp including REEF contribution plus $85 port, $80 fuel, $10 park fee. This project will focus on addressing the potential feeding impacts, short and long-term fish movements, larval recruitment, and distribution of fish in the pristine islands around Eleuthera. The vessel may stay on site for multiple dives to document these behaviors. Specific focus on impacts to cleaning stations will include tagging and continuous documentation over extended periods. Fish will also be collected & dissected to remove gonads & check stomach contents. Photographers and cameras are welcome and encouraged on this project.