Lionfish Watch - Powered by Anecdata.org

About this project Help conserve South Carolina's native fishes by joining fellow divers in reporting lionfish sightings or culling. Collectively, our efforts will guide future strategic actions to benefit the health of our reef communities, as well as the fishermen who depend upon them. Project goal To track and remove lionfish from South Carolina's marine habitats. What participants do Document all lionfish sightings and culling activity in South Carolina's marine habitats. Lionfish (Pterois volitans): Although stunningly beautiful, these aggressive non-native predators are of great concern due to their recent rapid colonization of South Carolina's reefs. As indiscriminate consumers of native fish and direct competitors with snapper-grouper species for food, lionfish have the potential to significantly disrupt the overall health and stability of local reefs. So what can we do? The South Carolina Aquarium is leading the way to empower citizens like you to engage with us in meaningful conservation actions. As partners, we can make a bigger positive impact while concurrently generating scientifically valuable data that everyone can access. Our goal with Lionfish Watch is to promote collaborative solutions by tracking and removing lionfish from South Carolina's marine habitats. The benefits are numerous; will you take action with us? HOW TO PARTICIPATE: SAFETY CONCERNS: Lionfish are armed with venemous red and white striped spines and a fearless disposition. Citizen scientists engaging in this project must use appropriate caution and be knowledgable and prepared to treat lionfish stings. If you are stung, immerse the wound in hot water for 30-90 minutes and immediately seek medical attention. Choose any reef that you can safely and legally access. Avoid Marine Protected Areas. Record requested data on sightings and/or culling activity during your dive. Contribute your data using either the SC Aquarium app or the project website.