Indo-pacific lionfish (Pterois volitans and P. miles) have become well established in the Caribbean and along the US East Coast including North Carolina. Impacts of this invasion to native fisheries and ecosystems could be severe and more information is needed to better assess the situation and to identify possible solutions. Efforts by REEF, the dive industry, public aquariums, and researchers has proven to be successful in helping to not only educate the public and key user groups, but also in utilizing volunteers to gather important data to satisfy research needs.
The Cape Lookout Lionfish Roundup is a collaborative effort between Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF), Discovery Diving Co., NOAA’s Beaufort lab and the North Carolina Aquarium to implement awareness and training programs and to gather lionfish specimens for use in scientific research. Ongoing, monthly efforts will continue this awareness, training, and collection program throughout the NC diving season.
Program Package Fee: $185.00
Agenda:
- Meet at Discovery Diving the evening before the dive from 6 - 8 pm for orientation/training on Lionfish Collecting
- 7 am - Show time at Discovery Diving for collection dives
- 4 pm - Fish cleaning demos, tasting and then we package the fish for overnight shipment to Atlanta, DC, NY and Chicago to be served at some world class restaurants
Included:
- Nets, gloves, and collecting bags (Discovery also has them for sale in the dive shop.)
- Optional lodging
2012 Collection Dates:
Dates coming soon
If you have a group that would like to do some Lionfish collecting call or email to setup your own charter.
