Story Created:& May 27, 2012 at 11:59 PM ECT &

Story Updated:& May 27, 2012 at 11:59 PM ECT& &

GREAT on the grill. Not so great in a coral reef.

Following a report in February of this year that a lionfish had been spotted in Flying Reef, Tobago, environmental interest groups are now preparing for an onslaught by this devastating predator.

Because the lionfish has no known natural predators in the Caribbean, hunting it in the reef is considered the best current method of control. And, as fate would have it, they're delicious.

Speaking at a hunting training session at Macqueripe Bay last week Sunday, Fadilah Ali, a PhD candidate in ocean and earth science at the University of Southampton in the United Kingdom, said one sighting should inspire interest groups to take notice.

"There are likely more," Ali said, adding that a population can grow rapidly, with females spawning up to 10,000 to 15,000 eggs at a time.

"Lionfish are cryptic and tend to live in crevices and under ledges and they also tend to emerge later in the day, so they usually won't be seen unless you are looking for them."

Last Sunday's session attracted a crowd of local divers and was hosted by non-governmental organisation Papa Bois Conservation, headed by activist Marc de Verteuil.

Popular among aquarium enthusiasts and native to the Indo-Pacific, lionfish are thought to have moved into the Caribbean through accidental release by one or more private collectors.

They are indiscriminate and voracious feeders that favour reefs, where they decimate other populations.

Growing up to 18 inches in length, they feed on smaller fish and crustaceans. A lionfish can swallow prey up to two-thirds of its own length.

They also have a taste for the herbivorous parrot fish, who assist in keeping their habitat from being overgrown by feeding on macro-algae.

Tobago's reefs, including the world-famous Buccoo Reef, are already severely stressed by human visitors, over-fishing, pollution and climate change.

The reef could be further endangered by the lionfish, should this species be allowed to flourish.

Although visually striking, with their bold red and black stripes, the lionfish is armed with venomous spines that can administer quite a sting if not handled properly.

February's sighting was made and reported by resident Keith Gibson, who holds a PhD in Coastal Zone Management and has taught a fish ID course for commonly encountered fish in Tobago — which includes awareness of fish to look out for, such as the lionfish.

Gibson was at the time on a recreational dive that included his wife, Express columnist and veterinarian Dr Adana Mahase.

The Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA) said at the time that the report was considered valid and a response plan was in the works. The arrival of the lionfish was anticipated for some time, especially following a sighting in neighbouring Venezuela in January 2010.

The IMA was prompted last year to begin a poster campaign, in collaboration with the Tobago House of Assembly (THA), to educate the public and particularly those working and living in a marine environment.

Divers were last Sunday informed of the proper way to approach, capture and handle lionfish to avoid the spines (which are not known to be fatal).

Participants practised underwater, using sand-filled bottles as targets and were instructed on the use of hand-held spears called Hawaiian slings, which are shot from the hand by an attached rubber sling that goes around the wrist.

The use of spearguns is not recommended, as these can cause significant damage to coral reefs.

"Lionfish will actually let you get quite close to them," said Ali, who has a wealth of practical experience with that species.

"Obviously it is important to practise because every time you miss, you reduce your chances with that target."

Once speared, what becomes of the fish depends on the intent of the diver.

They are sometimes left on the reef but if they are to be taken away, they are usually placed in thick plastic sacks or PVC containers that protect the diver.

Routine training sessions can be expected, de Verteuil said, and are meant not only to aid in countering an invasion before it becomes full-blown but also to prevent misinformed people from 'storming' local reefs.

"What we don't want is hordes of people going out to hunt lionfish, using improper methods that can cause harm to themselves and to the reefs," de Verteuil said.

"You should not use a speargun on a reef. Yes, you may hit the lionfish but you will also mostly likely cause severe damage to the coral."

De Verteuil said the lionfish has been successfully placed on the menu in other countries where they are a problem and the same can be done here.

"They taste great," he said.

"If we can get people to open their minds to the idea and integrate lionfish into our culinary culture, it will go a long way to keeping them under control."

If anyone believes they have spotted a lionfish, which is not to be confused with the local scorpion fish or frog fish, a report can be made to the IMA at 634-4291 or to Papa Bois Conservation at 310-9099, and the report will be passed on to the IMA.