Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Lionfish Update From CIEE
CIEE is leading the effort to conduct research on lionfish captured in the waters of Bonaire. They have now received 596 lionfish, which were brought for study and research, and have released a summary of results of the data analyzed to date.
It appears that the lionfish diet changes with growth. Younger lionfish eat more shrimp and crustaceans and as they grow they eat less of these and begin eating more fish. CIEE needs more large lionfish for their studies to better understand the effect of large lionfish on the reef fish of Bonaire. The fish brought in to date range from 2.1 cm (0.8 inches) to 58.8 cm (23.1 inches). While the majority of fish brought to CIEE fall in the small to medium size, fish of all sizes will continue to be accepted.
Divers are encouraged to continue helping in the lionfish research effort. The research team needs corks and glass jars of any size with lids. Drop offs may be done at the CIEE Research Station between 8:30 AM and 5:30 PM to the person in the lab. The lab is also open most evenings between 8 and 10 PM. To drop off a fish, stop by during these times or call 786-7394 to arrange a drop off. (Source: CIEE Bonaire)
