Eating invasive species has become a popular form of environmentalism in recent years. This article discusses REEF's work to address invasive lionfish and shares other invasive species currently on the menu around the world.
Pacific Northwest diver and REEF surveyor, Nick Brown, recently discovered the invasive tunicate, Ciona savignyi, during a dive in the San Juan Islands in Washington. This was the first record of the unwanted species in the San Juans. Nick learned about the invasive tunicate, and two other species that are monitored by REEF surveyors in the Pacific Northwest, during a recent REEF training seminar taught by Janna Nichols. Volunteer divers are serving an important role in the early detection and removal of invasive tunicates in the Pacific Northwest.
This article highlights some of the ways that the Upper Keys community has adressed the invasive lionfish, including REEF's 8th Annual Earth Day "Locals" Lionfish Derby held on April 23-25, 2021 in Key Largo.
The article highlights Team Forever Young's participation in the 2022 REEF Earth Day Lionfish Derby, where they collected a record 426 invasive lionfish in one day.
This article highlights the collaborative efforts of conservationists throughout the Gulf of Mexico and western Atlantic who work to combat the invasive lionfish, including REEF's work to orgnanize removal events such as the Florida Keys Lionfish Derby & Festival.
This article highlights the effectiveness of lionfish derbies in the Florida Keys, including the recent Earth Day Lionfish Derby where winning team Forever Young swept all three prize categories - most lionfish, largest, and smallest.
REEF's Volunteer Fish Survey Project (fish surveys) and Invasive Species Program (invasive lionfish removals and derbies) are highlighted in this article about ways to participate in citizen science as a diver in the Florida Keys.
REEF's Invasive Species Program shows citizens how they can get involved in reducing lionfish populations.
A Humpback Grouper was recently captured off the Florida Keys. REEF's Lad Akins positively identifies the exotic fish, and encourages vigilant monitoring to prevent another invasive species.