Battling Invasive Lionfish in the Gulf: Citizen Scientists Join the Fight

November 17, 2025

Four expeditions. More than 80 volunteer divers. Nearly 500 invasive lionfish removed from reefs in and around Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary.

two people hold up lionfish on the deck of a boat — Lionfish Invitational participants measure lionfish on the back deck of the MV *Fling*. Photo: Michelle Johnston/NOAA

In 2025, sanctuary scientists, partner agencies, and trained volunteer divers joined forces for a series of Lionfish Invitational research cruises in the northwestern Gulf of America. Conducted in partnership with Lionfish Invitational Inc., Texas Caribbean Charters, and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, these citizen science expeditions give experienced divers a chance to support real NOAA research—while helping protect some of the healthiest coral reefs in the continental United States.

Across four expeditions between June and September, participants from more than 20 states and U.S. territories—including Texas, Florida, Massachusetts, Colorado, and the U.S. Virgin Islands—removed 465 lionfish from both sanctuary reefs and nearby artificial structures like oil platforms and the “Kraken” reef site. Researchers also collected 271 invasive regal demoiselles (Neopomacentrus cyanomos) and 14 angelfish for ongoing studies of non-native species ecology and population genetics.

While volunteers focused on removals, scientists conducted complementary research: collecting genetic samples from lionfish, swapping acoustic receivers to monitor fish movement, analyzing water samples for environmental DNA, and even testing for Gambierdiscus microalgae associated with ciguatera toxin. The data will help assess how lionfish are affecting native fish communities and reef health in the Gulf.

“Every lionfish we remove is one less predator consuming native fish and invertebrates,” said Rachel Bowman, lionfish cruise coordinator and president of Lionfish Invitational, Inc. “These trips not only contribute valuable scientific data—they also connect people directly to the sanctuary’s mission of resource protection.”

Lionfish, native to the Indo-Pacific, were first reported in the western Atlantic in the 1980s and have since spread throughout the Caribbean and Gulf of America. With few natural predators and voracious appetites, they can consume over 100 species of reef fish and invertebrates, including commercially important snapper and grouper.

a group of people pose for a photo on the deck of a ship with an oil rig in the background — Lionfish Invitational participants on the top deck of the MV *Fling* with an oil and gas platform in the background that is slated to become an artificial reef site in 2026/2027. Photo: Roelf Kuitse

The 2025 invitationals were marked by strong participation, outstanding underwater visibility, and memorable sightings—including manta rays, sharks, dolphins, and sea turtles. Some new “traditions” even took root aboard the MV Fling, from pre-trip trivia to a new weather monitoring buoy affectionately named “Kevin.”

The success of this year’s four Lionfish Invitationals underscores how science, community, and stewardship come together to protect sanctuary ecosystems. Through collaboration with partners including Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Lionfish Invitational Inc., Texas A&M University, USGS, and others, NOAA is gaining new insight into the spread and impacts of this invasive species—and empowering divers to be part of the solution.