Cozumel REEF trip next week!

The Colonel and I are headed to Cozumel next week to join up with about 20 other fish nerd divers for our annual REEF field fish survey. This year there is a greater sense of urgency and duty as the invasive Indo-Pacific lionfish has finally appeared in Cozumel waters. The first sightings were in January, 2009 and sightings have been more frequent as the year advanced. One of our tasks while underwater will be to actively look for and record the details of our lionfish sightings. The divemasters accompanying us are the only ones authorized to take them off the reef (yes, that means kill them), so whenever we spot one we will need to get the attention of our divemaster and he will "take out the trash".

When you think of lionfish in Caribbean or Atlantic waters, think cockroach with venomous spines and an over-sized appetite. They breed like crazy and vacuum up every living thing on the reef. These guys don't belong here and the national marine park folks on Cozumel are more than a little worried. Dive tourism is huge on Cozumel and a significant part of the local economy. Divers come to Cozumel from all over the world to swim up close and personal with the abundant diversity of reef critters. If these are threatened, Cozumel won't be such an attractive place for divers anymore and the local economy will be hit hard.

Keep checking as I will be posting updates throughout the trip and, hopefully, a few pix. If you want to know about the lionfish invasion, REEF has posted some good information, links, and how you can help. Click here to find out more.

Best fishes!
Reefnut