Volunteer Vacation Package Searches for the invasive Lionfish which threatens Caribbean Reefs

Aug. 10, 2010 - PRLog -- The exotic, venomous and invasive lionfish has been found in the waters off St. Croix, threatening to deplete local fish populations if not managed properly. Officials and residents are working together to maintain balance in the marine world. Hotel Caravelle, and SCUBA (www.stcroixscuba.com) are working together with The Caribbean Oceanic Restoration and Education (CORE) Foundation (www.facebook.com/COREFoundation) inviting guests to “Caribbean Lionfish Safari” by participating in CORE’s Caribbean Lionfish Response Program. This unique underwater experience enlists divers to systematically search for and remove Lionfish, while enjoying spectacular dives.

The four-day, three-night package, which includes four dives to search for the Lionfish, is $517 per person. Rates, based on double occupancy, are valid now through December 15, 2011, and include all taxes, service charge and daily American Breakfast at Hotel Caravelle’s award winning Rumrunners Restaurant.

“We need all the help possible to prevent this invasive fish from destroying the island’s marine life and our beautiful coral reefs. Visiting divers can be a great help,” stated Sid Kalmans, owner of Hotel Caravelle, “Dive package participants will enjoy being part of the largest proactive lionfish response effort in the Caribbean while helping St. Croix in preserving one of the world’s most beautiful marine ecosystems by participating in this program.”

According to the US Fish & Wildlife page (fw.dpnr.gov.vi/Lionfish/) lionfish are now the second most populous fish on many deep reefs in North Carolina, and 85% of the juvenile fish on reefs in the Bahamas were lost due to lionfish predation, within a five week period. The first lionfish capture in the Virgin Islands was in November 2008. In January 2010, four were captured, including the first one in St. Thomas waters.

“It is believed that lionfish were either brought to St. Croix in ship ballast or, that they are direct descendants from a group of six lionfish from a Miami aquarium released during Hurricane Andrew,” said Molly Buckley, owner of SCUBA Dive Shop (www.scubastcroix.com) on St. Croix, “These fish are from the Pacific and can decimate a Caribbean reef in just weeks. They eat non-stop and can lay up to 30,000 eggs. They are a huge threat to the Caribbean and we are trying to stop them while their population is manageable.”

In collaboration with the US Fish & Wildlife, Department of Natural Resources, local dive shops and volunteers, the US Virgin Islands has developed a management plan to coordinate local response to monitor and remove lionfish. Coordinated efforts to find and remove lionfish around St. Croix are in full effect. Volunteer divers have been locally trained to find and remove lionfish. Each dive boat is supplied with lionfish markers (wine corks tied to a small weight with along bright ribbon). Divers drop these markers wherever there is a lionfish sighting. The CORE team returns to the spot to remove the lionfish. SCUBA (www.scubastcroix.com) donates use of their dive boat once a week for the eradication team.

Participants in the “Caribbean Lionfish Safari” package will do Lionfish Sighting Surveys on two separate dives during the week, mark locations with lionfish and can join the team on the weekly recovery expedition.

To book the “Caribbean Lionfish Safari” package, visit www.HotelCaravelle.com or call 800-524-0410.

About Lionfish
The venomous lionfish, a native of the Indo-Pacific Region, can grow more than 18 inches long. Once fully grown, a lionfish can lay as many as 30,000 eggs several times a year. Research from the United States National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration on the lionfish population along the coast of the Southern states has found no local predators. It is uncertain how large the lionfish population could become, and speculation on their effect ranges from minimal to catastrophic. Detailed information can be found at fw.dpnr.gov.vi/Lionfish.

About The CORE Foundation
The Caribbean Oceanic Restoration and Education (CORE) Foundation has been working with local agencies, dive shops, divers and local fisherman in a collaborative effort to maintain the critical environmental balance of the Caribbean reef system.  The mission of CORE is to advance the profession of marine stewardship to ensure the longevity, preservation and benefits of our Caribbean Sea. The CORE Foundation is committed to uniting non-government stewards, managers and scientific communities to explore and address marine issues for the betterment of all who call the Caribbean their home, or who visit there. As a member-based organization, CORE works and collaborates with people dedicated to marine stewardship. For more information contact info@nolionfish.com or follow twitter.com/nolionfish or become a fan at www.facebook.com/COREFoundation.

--Thank You—

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Located on the waterfront in the historic town of Christiansted, Hotel Caravelle, known for its friendly staff, blends European elegance with Caribbean charm. The hotel’s 43 rooms, most with ocean views, offer all the amenities including a/c, satellite TV, phones, safes, irons and ironing boards, hair dryers and radios. The Penthouse Suite features a living room, two bathrooms and an oversized master bedroom. The award-winning Rumrunner’s waterfront restaurant and bar, is located in Hotel Caravelle, and offers breakfast, lunch and dinner. Hotel Caravelle is walking distance from cafes, shops, galleries and historic sites and buildings. For more information visit www.hotelcaravelle.com or call 800-524-0410.