- Re: lionfish

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lionfish

Author: Cristina Sara Leggy (---.cable.mindspring.com)
Date: 03-21-11 15:06

Has anyone seen any lionfish at any of the Culebra reefs lately? My husband and I did two weeks ago while snorkeling at Melones Beach. While they can give a nasty sting, I never felt at all threatened. However, I do worry about what will happen if the reef gets overpopulated with them: they will devour all of the other reef fish. It's my understanding that the best thing to do is catch them and eat them. For very good reasons, fishing on the reefs is forbidden, but the coral reef preservation authorities might want to make an exception for lionfish. For those currently living on or visiting Culebra, you might want to notify the proper authorities about this potential problem. I'd hate to see these beautiful and protected reefs deplete of fish.

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Re: lionfish

Author: palmettoculebra (---.prtc.net)
Date: 03-21-11 15:34

Good afternoon,
Folks are aware that (unfortunately) the lion fish has arrived.

Some folks are killing them as found. They multiply rather quickly, however..

Best,
Terrie
Palmetto GH, Culebra

http://www.palmettoculebra.com/

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Re: lionfish

Author: Robert Zeigler (---.drr01.hrbg.pa.frontiernet.net)
Date: 03-22-11 10:49

Word is that they're very tasty.....!

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Re: lionfish

Author: Marywho (66.87.7.---)
Date: 03-25-11 08:15

There is quite a dedicated effort in St Thomas, Croix and John to eradicate them but nothing here. Walter and Monica at the Dive Shop are not convinced they are as bad as reputed. Fishermen here say (acc. to a local who can be chartered for delivering small groups to nearby spots) that they've been around for yrs. At any rate I've seen 3 at Zoni, and one off of Carlos Roasrio this year...

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Re: lionfish

Author: Robert Zeigler (---.drr01.hrbg.pa.frontiernet.net)
Date: 03-25-11 12:21

Some interesting info about these suckers....

http://ecomarbelize.org/Lionfish.html

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Re: lionfish

Author: Robert Zeigler (---.drr01.hrbg.pa.frontiernet.net)
Date: 03-25-11 12:26

BTW, they have been proven to, and will continue to, destroy the reefs.

CATCH 'EM AND EAT 'EM!!!

(Just be careful of the sharpies...)

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Re: lionfish

Author: Debbie (---.hsd1.ga.comcast.net)
Date: 03-25-11 20:42

As great friends of Monika and Walter, I can't understand their reluctance to accept that these guys will destroy the reef (and I've provided them with lots of literature stating the facts). I commend Taz at Aquatic Adventures for eradicating as many as he can.

Happy Diving!
Debbie

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Re: lionfish

Author: Cristina Sara Leggy (---.cable.mindspring.com)
Date: 03-26-11 10:37

I enclose this link to an article from North Carolina's "Our State"magazine about the lionfish problem in NC reefs:
http://www.ourstate.com/articles/lionfish

As much as I love Culebra and have visited five years in a row now, don't know if I would continue to return if I couldn't get my annual snorkeling fix. This is a potentially serious problem which needs to be addressed.

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Re: lionfish

Author: Srini Viswanathan (---.washdc.east.verizon.net)
Date: 03-29-11 16:31

lion fish is least of the problem compared to man made disasters. all the real estate development and diesel from the boats might be causing good amount of pollution in the waters.

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Re: lionfish

Author: Debbie (---.hsd1.ga.comcast.net)
Date: 03-29-11 17:51

Yes, Srini, that's why the locals also spend a lot of time fighting massive development on Culebra.

Happy Diving!
Debbie

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