Indo-Pacific Lionfish

The population explosion of the invasive Indo-Pacific lionfish (Pterois volitans and Pterois miles) in the Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean is a serious threat to coral reefs, with potential long-term consequences for native fish communities, habitats and entire ecosystems. Lionfish are well-known for their venomous spines, rapid colonization rate and generalist preferences for both habitat and diet. Invasive lionfish are capable of causing significant impacts to biodiversity and recovery of coral reefs, a result of their high densities and predation rates on native fish communities. Four national marine sanctuaries have been invaded by lionfish – Gray's Reef, Florida Keys, Flower Garden Banks and Monitor.

NOAA and its partners have developed and released designs for new lionfish traps that could provide the first realistic means of controlling invasive deep-water lionfish populations and support the development of a lionfish fishery. Learn more about the lionfish traps.

Resources

The following resources can provide additional information on this issue.

sanctuaries lionfish response plan (2015-2015) cover

NOAA's National Marine Sanctuaries Lionfish Response Plan was developed in 2015 with the goal to minimize ecosystem degradation in affected sanctuaries. The plan recommends science, service, and stewardship activities for the affected sanctuaries.

two people examining a captured lionfish

Since 1994, the Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF) has maintained an on-line educational section on non-native species as well as an on-line exotic species reporting page.  Divers are encouraged to submit any sightings of non-native species via this sightings reporting form.  Since 2006, REEF has been working in close partnership with government agencies and partners throughout the region to help develop lionfish response plans, train resource managers and dive operators in effective collecting and handling techniques and conduct cutting edge research to help address the invasion. To aid in this effort, REEF currently enlists interested divers and snorkelers to join organized lionfish research and removal projects and encourages public participation in helping address the invasion.

invasive lionfish web portal banner

The Invasive Lionfish Web Portal is a clearinghouse for all vetted invasive lionfish information and serves as a platform to promote discussion and inquiry. The authors of the Web Portal, which include U.S. federal employees, non-profit managers, research scientists, state biologists, professors, and Ph.D. students, bring a wealth of knowledge and experience on the lionfish invasion.

lionfishes swimming

The National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science is conducting biological and ecological assessments of invasive lionfish to determine their impact on reef habitats and economies of the Atlantic. Their work includes interpreting the results of existing biological and ecological studies, identifying data gaps, mapping the distribution of lionfish, and assisting with development of management plans. It is the first study targeting the invasion of Indo-Pacific lionfish along the US Atlantic coast.

Photos & Videos

New Trap Designs

animated gif of a trap being deployed and a lionfish swimming into the trap

Trap deployment B-Roll Video

Credit: Lionfish University and NOAA

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animated gif of a lionfish swimming into a trap

Animated GIF of a Lionfish swimming into a "Dome Trap" prototype trap

Credit: NOAA

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a closed trap with a lionfish inside

A closed "Dome Trap" prototype with a fish attraction device and a lionfish inside.

Credit: Steve Gittings/NOAA

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lionfish in front of a curtain-style trap

An invasive lionfish in front of a curtain-style trap.

Credit: Steve Gittings/NOAA

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a fish aggregation device (fad) with two hinged half-hoops covered in mesh netting lie open. a diver is filming near the trap

A diver swims near a "Dome Trap," named for its shape when closed. The trap has a circular base and two hinged half hoops that pivot from a horizontal to vertical position on hinges to close when the trap is retrieved.

Credit: Steve Gittings/NOAA

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purse trap on the deck of a boat

A close-up of the "Dome Trap" prototype with a fish attraction device.

Credit: Steve Gittings/NOAA

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a drawing two hinged half-hoops covered in mesh netting lie open on the ocean floor

A rendering of a new "Purse Trap" design being developed to reduce drag when lowering and raising the trap.

Credit: Steve Gittings/NOAA

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profile view of a lionfish near a coral reef

An invasive lionfish at a reef in Flower Gardens National Marine Sanctuary.

Credit: NOAA

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Additional Photos & Videos