Participants on this expedition will:

• Help document and collect lionfish from Bahamian waters
• Learn more about the marine life of the region
• Assist scientists in filling the void of information on this exotic invasive marine species.

Cooperative lionfish research REEF is working in close partnership with the NOAA's National Ocean Service to study the invasive Indo-Pacific lionfish. Lionfish are being collected in the U.S. and Bahamas for genetics, age and growth, predation and reproduction studies. These efforts are providing much needed information on lionfish and the impacts they may have on native reef fishes. In addition, collection and local eradication efforts are helping to possibly minimize these impacts.

As part of this effort, REEF has teamed up with Blackbeard's Cruises to organize two expeditions to document and collect lionfish from Bahamian waters.

Projects and costs:

Project 1: This 6-day project will take place April 21-26, 2007 leaving from Freeport and ending up in Nassau. The goal will be to dive sites along the route including the Berry Islands and northern Andros to determine the level of establishment of lionfish in this seldom dived area. Lionfish collections will be conducted at varying depths (within safe scuba limits) and in varying habitats.

Cost: $735.00/person plus $40.00 port fee and $10.00 park fee. Gratuities not included. $200.00 of each participant's trip cost will be generously donated by Blackbeard's Cruises to REEF to support this work and other important conservation projects.

Project 2: This 7-day project will take place April 21-27, 2007 leaving from and returning to Freeport. The goal will be to dive sites along the Berries, northern Andros and possibly the Gingerbread Grounds, to determine the level of establishment of lionfish in these areas. Both lionfish and REEF surveys will be conducted in a variety of habitats and depths.

Cost: $899.00 plus $40.00 port fee and $10.00 park fee. Gratuities not included. $200.00 of each participant's trip cost will be generously donated by Blackbeard's Cruises to REEF to support this work and other important conservation projects.

Participants: Project participants must be certified in SCUBA and current in their diving skills. Knowledge of fish identification is not necessary though helpful. Photographers, fish surveyors, spearfishers and recreational divers can all play an important role in these projects. Project participants will be trained on board in data and specimen collection techniques but will not be required to undertake any collection activities with which they are uncomfortable.

Staff: Scientists, husbandry staff from the National Aquarium in Washington DC, and REEF staff will be divided among the two projects to conduct research on the lionfish and oversee the data and specimen collections on board.

Reservations: For more information on boat specifics, times, and to reserve space on this project, contact Blackbeard's Cruises at (800) 327-9600 or email them at [email protected]. For project specifics and more information on lionfish and REEF's Exotic Species Program, contact Lad Akins at (305) 852-0030 x-2# or [email protected].