Do you enjoy fresh fish and helping tropical reefs? If you are inclined to say yes, then the Lionfish hunt is for you!
About Lionfish
Lionfish are an invasive species in Caribbean and Atlantic waters originating from the Indo-Pacific waters. They are far from home here in Belize and are causing damage to the coral reef system.
While they have many local names such as the red lionfish, common lionfish, and even devil firefish, their scientific name, Pterois volitans, derives from the Greek word “pteroeis” meaning “feathered” or “winged” and “volitans“, which is Latin for “flying” or “hovering”. This name accurately describes lionfish behavior in the water. They are often found suspended around the coral in cracks and crevices with their venomous fins spread wide awaiting prey to cross its path.
This lionfish was found hovering amongst the coral and sea fans. Photo: Lorenzo Ballarin
The Lionfish is a beautiful and unique fish to look at, but don’t let that fool you. They are able to cause immense damage to the reef system. Because their their dorsal, ventral and anal spines are venomous, they do not have any native predators. Native predators do not seem to recognize lionfish as potential prey – yet.
Another factor is their rapid reproduction rate. Lionfish are capable of spawning year-round and do so every 2-4 days, producing roughly 25,000-50,000 eggs per spawning. This means each female produces more than 2 million eggs per year!
Lionfish are troublesome to the reef as they eat native fish and crustaceans, with no known predators. Photo: Marlene Lowen
To make matters worse, they are a very hungry species of fish! Lionfish are ravenous, indiscriminate predators that eat native fish and crustaceans in large quantities, including both ecologically and economically important species like grunts, snapper, Nassau grouper, and cleaner shrimp. Researchers have observed a large adult lionfish consume over 20 small wrasses during a 30 minute period. Lionfish can eat large quantities of prey and large prey relative to their body size. Incredibly, lionfish stomachs can expand over 30 times in volume when consuming a large meal.
Their fast growth rate and voracious appetite enables lionfish to outgrow native species with whom they compete for food and space. This causes serious ecological disequilibrium and impacts commercial fish stocks.
Hamanasi Mission
As part of Hamanasi’s regenerative initiatives, we set annual goals for the number of lionfish we aim to take off the reef. The Government of Belize is supportive of efforts to rid its waters of this troublesome invasive fish. Hamanasi’s Lionfish Spearfishing Adventure offers scuba divers the chance to spear the invasive species in a safe manner.
Hamanasi Dive crew strike a large lionfish using a Hawaiian sling. Photo: Chris Liles
Lionfish Goal
Our 2021 goal was a modest 1,000. We are proud to announce that we surpassed our goal with 1,196 fish caught!
A great day’s catch by the Hamanasi Dive crew and guests! The fish were cleaned and brought to the kitchen to be prepared for dinner. Photo: BJ Ariola
Not only were these fish removed to allow native species the space to thrive, they were prepared, cooked, and enjoyed at our very own Singanga Restaurant. Few know that lionfish are a very delicious and healthy fish to eat. It has a light and flaky white meat that is irresistible when grilled, blackened, fried, or prepared as a ceviche.
Caught
Cleaned
Filleted
Served
In 2022, our marine crew have committed to stepping up their game and increasing the goal to remove 1,200 Lionfish from the reef! That is a lot of fish, and we can’t do it without you!
Come Dive with Hamanasi
Lionfish hunting is a thrilling and delicious adventure. Prior to diving there is a briefing describing the lionfish, a scientific explanation of the threat the fish poses in the Caribbean and why hunting the species is ecologically sound. On the first dive the Divemaster points out the lionfish, its habitat and demonstrates how to spear and bag the fish. During the surface interval, the divers learn how to clean the fish.
Dive Instructor, Terrill Castillo catches a large lionfish. Photo: Chris Liles
If the Divemaster determines that the diver has adequate dive skills, including buoyancy control, the guest may test his skills at spearfishing during the second dive under the supervision of the Divemaster. Additionally, our marine team periodically hunts for the fish to meet the annual lionfish catch goal. All lionfish caught will be recorded to track progress in controlling the population.
So, stay tuned to track our progress reaching 2022’s lionfish catch goal. Better yet, try spearfishing and eating them while at Hamanasi. Bon appetite!
