COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
- Minimum certification: Advanced Open Water w/ Enriched Air
- Minimum age: 15 years old
- Time commitment: 2 day (not including self-study)
- Total dives: 2 dives (1 trip)
- Complete self-study, PADI AWARE: Our World, Our Water chapters 4 & 5
- Completed medical release waiver with physician sign-off, if needed
GEAR REQUIREMENTS:
- Basic scuba gear, available for rent
- Surface marker buoy (SMB) with finger spool
- Zookeeper Lionfish Containment Unit
- Minimum 3-foot pole spear
- Gloves *puncture proof preferred*
- Shears
WHAT WILL I LEARN DURING THE INVASIVE LIONFISH TRACKER COURSE WITH DXDIVERS?
As an invasive species, Lionfish are wreaking havoc on local reefs, eating reef fish in their infancy preventing these fish from maturing and reproducing. Additionally, Lionfish have a big appetite and eat pretty much any fish that can fit in its mouth. This chain reaction is killing off entire ecosystems - this is where you come in. The first step is to become knowledgable about the Lionfish, it's species, where it's from, how it got here, and what can happen if we do not regulate Lionfish ourselves. As divers, we have a responsibility to the ocean and it's reefs, to protect and provide a solution to this growing problem. During the PADI Invasive Lionfish Tracker course you will learn the skills, knowledge, and techniques for eliminating Lionfish from our local waters. Of course, all this while being safe and having fun.
DXDIVERS INVASIVE LIONFISH TRACKER COURSE EXTRA DETAILS
- We offer a discount on gear to all our students
- Free air or nitrox fills for your 2 boat dives
- Rental tanks will be included in the course if you don't own tanks
- Certification card processing included in the cost of the course
Glad you asked! Here at DXDivers, we’re proud to have an all encompassing facility and dive boat to provide a convenient and relaxing scuba experience. We have a full retail store equipped with over 100 diving brands and over 3000 unique products. On-site, we also have a training pool out back and several classrooms upstairs. Once you're certified, check out our drive-thru tank fill station so you don't have to lug your tanks through the store. Best of all, you can hop on our 46-foot Newton custom dive boat, the Lady Go Diver, docked less than a mile from the shop. Did we mention we’re the only dive shop in South Florida to have both a full retail dive shop and our own charter boat? We manage every aspect of our operation to better serve you and provide the best possible diving experience.
Lionfish are an invasive species to our local waters of the North-Western Atlantic and Carribean. Since they are not native to the area, they have no natural predators meaning they can proliferate without being eaten, or having their offspring eaten. Their hefty appetite allows them to feed on fish constantly, effectively eliminating entire species of reef fish. This creates a lack of balance in the ecosystem as Lionfish compete for food with native species leading to the necessary regulation of this invasive species.
No! Since Lionfish are recognized as an invasive species, you do not need a license to eradicate them. In fact, if you see a Lionfish and do not exterminate it, FWC can technically issue a fine if their is evidence of the neglect to eradciate.
Lionfish are actually venomous not poisonous. They have spines that contain venom. Once you cut those off, Lionfish are safe to eat and are actually quite delicious. It's a mild, flakey white fish similar to flounder and can be prepared various ways.
For the course, and to eradicate Lionfish in general, you need a way to contain the species that will protect you from getting stung. The Lionfish Zookeeper is a containment unit designed for just that. You will also need a pole spear and shears would be helpful to cut the spines. Don't forget puncture proof gloves!
On the Lady Go Diver, we provide complimentary light snacks, cold drinking water and soda. We highly encourage you to bring your own snacks and drinks so you can feel comfortable while diving with us.
Yes, both air and nitrox fills are included for the necessary dives to complete the course. If you do not have your own tanks, rentals will be included.