Funding Agency: Environmental Foundation of Jamaica

Since 2006, the lionfish has spread across Jamaica, threatening reef, seagrass and mangrove fish communities. This species has received significant attention throughout the Caribbean region due to its demonstrated and potential impacts on ecology, fisheries, tourism and public health. 
The Global Environment Facility has funded a 4-year Regional Project on Invasive Species (spanning 5 countries). Jamaica currently has 3 projects under this large regional project of which this project is included. The Discovery Bay Marine Lab has been entrusted with the responsibility to lead the Lionfish Project for Jamaica.

The main components of the project are: 

• Islandwide Distribution 
• Prey Preferences 
• Development of a Passive Capture Mechanism 
• Development of a Lionfish Management Plan 

Other aspects that will investigated by DBML outside of the scope of this project are: 

• Population Genetics 
• Local Larval Distribution and Ecology