Control of Lionfish in the Mesoamerican Reef

Moving to the northern coast of Honduras we find ourselves in the Tela Bay, known for its spectacular coral reefs, it is home to more than 800 endangered corals. To protect the variety of corals and other marine species present in the bay, the government of Honduras established the Bahía de Tela Marine Wildlife Refuge (RVSMBT, in Spanish) in 2017.

Although this area is protected, this paradise on earth faces a threat. The presence of lionfish has damaged the cycle of other commercially important species, affecting the density of the fish and the community’s livelihood.

To support in the protection of the bay, funds will be provided to one of the co-managers of the protected area, the Amigos de los Arrecifes de Tela (AMATELA). Their purpose is the conservation and sustainable use of the coastal marine resources of the RVSMBT, while contributing to the development of the stakeholder communities.

AMATELA will seek assistance from a neighboring organization, Roatan Marine Park (RMP), an organization with experience in dealing with lionfish and will be trained and certified in the hunting of the invasive species. The objective of this training is:

• To contribute to the increase in fish populations within the RVSMBT through the strengthening of co-managers and fishermen.

AMATELA will be trained in lionfish capture and harpoon use and safety, and move forward in achieving the objective of contributing to the increase of herbivores and commercially important fish species.

The continued support in the region to control lionfish, has been able thanks to your help.

We appreciate your trust in us.

We´ll keep you posted on how things develop.

Thank you

The MAR Fund Team.