Lionfish are a major threat to local fish species. Because fish do not see lionfish as a predator they have no natural defense against it. Lionfish can kill all the commercial fish in local waters, destroying the local fishing grounds. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT IF YOU SEE OR CATCH A LIONFISH YOU REPORT IT IMMEDIATELY TO THE LOCAL AUTHORITIES. HADICURARI/CZM: 586-6610, DLVV: 585-8102, PNA: 585-1234, VETS: 585-0400
Handle with Extreme Caution: If caught DO NOT throw fish back. Store in a secure container and report catch information including location, depth, and description to local authorities (see above). IF STUNG IMMERSE WOUND IN HOT WATER AND SEEK MEDICA L ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY Source: NOAA Invasive Species Program
Adapted with approval from STENAPA Lionfish Response Plan 2009 v.1