Page 41 - Let´s Make Waves - November 2018

Lionfish are native to the Indio-
Pacific Ocean, an area located
roughly to the west and north of
Australia. Their presence in our
part of the world very likely origi-
nated as aquarium residents due to
the beauty. Their introduction to American waters is generally
the beauty. Their introduction to American waters is generally
accepted as possible releases from residential aquariums in South
accepted as possible releases from residential aquariums in South
Florida during the mid-1980's. Also reported lost from an aquar-
Florida during the mid-1980's. Also reported lost from an aquar-
ium were 6 into Biscayne Bay at Miami during 1992's hurricane
ium were 6 into Biscayne Bay
Andrew. From those releases, they have multiplied and moved
Andrew. From those releases, they have multiplied and moved
into waters about halfway up the East coast, throughout the gulf
coastal waters, the Caribbean and to Brazil. The water currents,
their reproduction rate (possible every 2-4 days), lack of natural
invasive species, with their relation on our vulnerable, natural
predators and eating habits make them the "Big Picture" threat invasive species, with their relation on our vulnerable, natural
residents. I recently saw a video of divers off south Cuba feeding
that they are. residents. I recently saw a video of divers off south Cuba feeding
speared lionfish to Caribbean Reef Sharks and the sharks later
speared lionfish to Caribbean Reef Sharks and the sharks later
In my section of the gulf, offshore of Galveston Island, there finding and eating Lionfish on their own. Hopefully, some of
finding and eating Lionfish on their own. Hopefully, some of
have been numerous sightings over the last few years at the our natural residents will pick up on the method themselves and
our natural residents will pick up on the method themselves and
Flower Gardens, and recently reports being sighted at the V.A. give some relief to the Lionfish situation. For now, if you catch
give some relief to the Lionfish situation. For now, if you catch
Fogg wreck, Stetson Rock and Clay Pile Areas. They have been one, or some of these lionfish, our "Gulf Invaders" handle with
one, or some of these lionfish, our "Gulf Invaders" handle with
caught on the party boats Capt. John and New Buccaneer. One care and eat well. That's my plan at first opportunity!
care and eat well. That's my plan at first opportunity!
bright point was being told by one of the Bucc's deckhands that
a recently caught and released Red Snapper also had a small Li-
onfish in its mouth. That is the only time I’ve heard of such,
hopefully they might have predators out there, at least that par- Patrick Lemire
ticular one was giving it a try. The point here is that they, as well
as their catch rate are obviously expanding and they are here, in
our Gulf, to stay. Lionfish are potentially the most disastrous

Waves Magazine | November 2018 Issue | 41