Lionfish in the Florida Keys
In just the past two and a half years, an invasive species - the Red
Lionfish (Pterois volitans) - has become established in the Florida
Keys. The first one spotted in Key West waters was caught in August
2009 (by Rob, we might add) and since then we have been very
involved in trying to control their spread. Lionfish have no known
predators in the Atlantic, are voracious eaters of important reef fish,
and spawn several times per month year-round; marine biologists are
increasingly concerned that lionfish will have a serious effect on the
reef ecosystem.
In an effort to increase diver awareness of the threat posed by
lionfish, we have developed a new PADI distinctive specialty course -
Lionfish Diver. The course involves a couple of hours of classroom
study, then two dives on the reefs looking for lionfish in their
non-native habitat. This was the first lionfish specialty course
offered in the Florida Keys.
Please contact us for additiona information on the Lionfish Diver
distinctive specialty course.
Report a lionfish sighting here.
Lionfish (Pterois volitans) - has become established in the Florida
Keys. The first one spotted in Key West waters was caught in August
2009 (by Rob, we might add) and since then we have been very
involved in trying to control their spread. Lionfish have no known
predators in the Atlantic, are voracious eaters of important reef fish,
and spawn several times per month year-round; marine biologists are
increasingly concerned that lionfish will have a serious effect on the
reef ecosystem.
In an effort to increase diver awareness of the threat posed by
lionfish, we have developed a new PADI distinctive specialty course -
Lionfish Diver. The course involves a couple of hours of classroom
study, then two dives on the reefs looking for lionfish in their
non-native habitat. This was the first lionfish specialty course
offered in the Florida Keys.
Please contact us for additiona information on the Lionfish Diver
distinctive specialty course.
Report a lionfish sighting here.
| Eco-Dives of Key West |
| (305) 293-9985 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
