During our week of diving at St. Kitts last week, we had a close-up view as our divemaster speared lionfish (an invasive species in the Caribbean) and fed them to sharks to teach them to seek out the fish as prey. The lionfish invasion is considered one of the most serious recent threats to Caribbean and Florida coral reef ecosystems. Culling by marine protection agencies and volunteer divers is an important element of control efforts. Adult lionfish have few identified natural predators, likely from the effectiveness of their venomous spines. Moray eels, bluespotted cornetfish and large groupers have been observed preying on lionfish. During our diving at St. Kitts, we witnessed that sharks are also capable of preying on lionfish with no ill effects from their spines. Development of market-based approaches, which create commercial incentives for removals, has also been seen as a means to sustain control efforts. The foremost of these market approaches is the promotion of lionfish as a food item. When properly filleted, the naturally venomous fish is safe to eat. Another control method is the use of lionfish spines, fins and tails for jewelry and other decorative items. Lionfish jewelry production initiatives are underway in Belize, the Bahamas and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. 
Feeding Lionfish to Sharks
