Volunteers Needed - Poll of Lionfish Harvesters for Scientific Research

[SpearMax]

I am doing a quick survey to see how many of you might be interested in volunteering some of your diving time to be involved with a proposed scientific study lead by University of South Florida scientists to be conducted offshore of Palm Beach County and Martin County. We will be looking for scuba divers who will kill the lionfish on designated reef areas in a systematic way on a pre-determined frequency such as monthly or quarterly.

The scientific research will examine how different removal rates of lionfish control its population. The exact timing and locations of removals will be determined by an experiment designed to test different frequencies of removals. Removals will be conducted by teams of at least two SCUBA divers. The effort expended locating and removing lionfish will be standardized so that each removal event on each reef will consist of exactly two diver-hours of effort.

I personally am volunteering extensively for this scientific study and will be including some of the effort of the volunteer shooters in my new TV series "Ocean Warriors" which is described here at this link:

Announcing "Ocean Warriors" - a New Reality TV Show - The Devil's Triangle Mysteries

As the scientists say "It is clear that invasive lionfish pose a serious threat to the integrity of native Atlantic reef ecosystems as well as the goods and services that these ecosystems provide. It also appears that lionfish populations are not currently limited by interactions with native species. Therefore, the development and implementation of effective and efficient responses to the lionfish invasion are a high priority."

I believe this is a good opportunity for us as a spearfishing and diving community to make a meaningful contribution to help preserve and protect the underwater reef resources we enjoy. Besides that, the effort should be a fun adventure.

[SpearMax]

Your target species on reefs from shallow to deep off Palm Beach and Martin Counties

[reef roamer]

i'm in, love killing those little suckers, especially the big fat ones

[Topcat333]

How will we get to each site?

[SpearMax]

Originally Posted by Topcat333

How will we get to each site?

Good question We will be looking for a few volunteer boats besides my boat and possibly the boats of the other "Ocean Warriors" TV show main cast to put divers on. I am also working on getting a sponsor for nitrox fills.

[GillBilly]

I am willing to contribute efforts toward this, also may be intrested in using my Dive boat as well. being the only dive boat in martin county and the extensive wrecks and reefs we have here this would be a great opportunity Keep me informed. Thank you

[GillBilly]

Hey reef roamer I had a great time on the Gillbilly with you. Thanks for the coaching lesson on the lion fish. Come back out with us for some fun.

[SpearMax]

Originally Posted by reef roamer

i'm in, love killing those little suckers, especially the big fat ones

Princess Slaya said you were really good at it. Thanks for volunteering

[SpearMax]

Originally Posted by GillBilly

I am willing to contribute efforts toward this, also may be intrested in using my Dive boat as well. being the only dive boat in martin county and the extensive wrecks and reefs we have here this would be a great opportunity Keep me informed. Thank you

Sounds good - thanks

[Topcat333]

Me and my dive buddy spear from Sunrise Blvd to Mikes ledge just north of Commercial pier and usually kill see and kill 2 every time we dive, for the past 2 years we dive 2 days a week then free dive shallow for 3 to 6 hrs.

We don't have a boat but we have "killer kayak's"

We would be happy to jump on with a group though. Or lead a kayak division in our sector!

Let me know

[killer-mermaid]

I'll volunteer, however I do most of my diving in Broward. Any chance of expanding further south?

[SpearMax]

Originally Posted by Topcat333

Me and my dive buddy spear from Sunrise Blvd to Mikes ledge just north of Commercial pier and usually kill see and kill 2 every time we dive, for the past 2 years we dive 2 days a week then free dive shallow for 3 to 6 hrs.

We don't have a boat but we have "killer kayak's"

We would be happy to jump on with a group though. Or lead a kayak division in our sector!

Let me know

Originally Posted by killer-mermaid

I'll volunteer, however I do most of my diving in Broward. Any chance of expanding further south?

Thanks for volunteering!

The scientists who are running this proposed study will determine the reef areas included based on a variety of considerations. I am sure all of your ideas will be evaluated by them. So, keep them coming.

[eQuipMatt]

I'm willing to help out when ever possible. I new to the board and it might be a chance to bubby up with someone if there is anyone else wanting to jump in solo. Keep me posted.

[rjnjupiter]

Emerald and the Lion Tamer team will volunteer as needed. PB Lionfish derby is August 17 this year. Big prizes!

[captron]

I take out every one I see. Will be more than willing to help out on the west coast with my boat.