Location: Gulf of Mexico, Eugene Island 142 and West
Delta
Narrative:
A commercial diving contractor reported the sighting and encountered of red lionfish on at least 5 different occasions within the past few weeks.
Information on this Species:
- Lionfish are voracious predators that eat large quantities of almost anything up to half their own body size.
- Lionfish are capable of reproducing year-round, which might explain the more frequent sightings.
- Lionfish grow very fast.
Recommendations:
- Educate your diving personnel on the behaviors and hazards of lionfish.
- Establish procedures for treating personnel who are stung with the spines or fins of lionfish.
Additional information can be obtained from both the NOAA and USGS websites.
Red lionfish are not historically known to be prevalent in the waters off of Louisiana, however over the course of the last few years many of them have migrated from Florida. Although they are spectacular to look at, they have very sharp spines and fins, which they can use to inject a poisonous venom into their potential predators. This reflex is a defensive mechanism, used only when the lionfish feels threatened. In humans, this venom causes severe pain, numbness, paralysis, respiratory illness, and in rare cases, death. Wounds have also resulted from even handling dead specimens.
Additional characteristics:
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This Information was sent to further the communication of all industry stakeholders. Safety is the primary concern of the ADCI. Remember: a real-time Job Safety Analysis is important, but nothing can replace good common sense.
Sincerely,
Phil Newsum
Association of Diving Contractors International
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