Invasive Species (Lionfish) Management

Learn to actively contribute to reef protection with the SSI Invasive Species Management Specialty. Become a responsible lionfish hunter and help protect Curaçao's ecosystem.

The lionfish, also known as the koraalduivel, poses a serious threat to the local ecosystem in the Caribbean. As an invasive species, the lionfish has no natural predators here and an insatiable appetite, causing young reef fish to disappear en masse and putting pressure on the fragile coral reef.

The SSI Invasive Species Management Specialty has been established worldwide and focuses on recognizing, understanding, and managing invasive species. In our course, the focus is entirely on the lionfish issue in Curaçao. You will learn how we, as divers, responsibly and effectively deal with this invasive species locally. By taking this course, you become part of the local community of lionfish hunters.

During the course, we cover the background and history of the lionfish, their impact on the reef, and their behavior. There is extensive attention to safety, including recognizing the venomous spines, what to do in case of a sting, and how to minimize risks. An important part is working on good trim and positioning, so you can hunt safely and in control without damaging the reef.

In addition, you will learn how to correctly and safely use tools such as the pole spear or Hawaiian sling and the zookeeper. Everything is done according to current guidelines and with respect for the environment.

Finally, you will learn how to clean and prepare the caught lionfish in a hygienic and safe way. This way, you not only actively contribute to the restoration of the reef, but you also get to eat one of the most sustainable and delicious fish the Caribbean has to offer.

Upon completion, you will receive the SSI Invasive Species Management Specialty certification, which counts towards the free SSI recognition ratings Specialty Diver, Advanced Specialty Diver, and Master Diver.

As with all our ecology programs, we donate 20% of the course fee to one of the nature organizations we support as a dive school: BRANCH Coral Foundation and/or Sea Turtle Conservation Curaçao. This way, your participation makes a direct impact, both below and above water.