This project focuses on developing coordinated strategies, mechanisms, and collaborative partnerships towards the control of the lionfish, an invasive species with the potential to cause devastating impacts to the reef system of Belize if not addressed urgently. In the Bahamas the first lionfish was observed in 2004, by 2007 they developed a Draft National Response Plan, and by 2008 the lionfish population exploded throughout the shallow tropical waters of the Bahamas and now they are found on reefs, on seagrass beds and in mangroves. Interestingly, the response plans of several countries call for eradication of the lionfish, but this seems unlikely given the stronghold it currently has in the Wider Caribbean including the Florida Keys, eastern seaboard of the United States, the Bahamas, Bermuda, and northern South America.

The goal of the Lionfish Project will be to raise awareness on this new tropical fish, educate the key stakeholders how they can become involved in protecting their future livelihood, determine the source of lionfish in Belize through scientific studies, garner renewed enthusiasm and interest in protecting a World Heritage Site, the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System, and the associated marine areas, while strengthening the National Coral Reef Monitoring Network and Environmental Conservation Organization (ECOMAR).

The Lionfish Project is important to COMPACT as it addresses two of the three objectives outlined in the Phase II Site Strategy, specifically:
? To promote the protection, conservation and sustainable use of the resources of the BBRRS WHS by community groups, community based organizations and the general public.
? To develop and/or enhance the management capacities of the community groups who use the resources of the BBRRS ? WHS as well as those who participate in co-management of the protected areas.

Under the support from COMPACT, ECOMAR?s Lionfish Project will have five key objectives:
? Formulate a Lionfish Response Plan by strengthening the National Coral Reef Monitoring Network;
? To conduct Lionfish Awareness Campaign through public service announcements and stakeholder workshops;
? To conduct scientific research on captured lionfish and present findings to stakeholders;
? Strengthen ECOMAR?s coordinating role of the Lionfish Project and future rapid response/outreach programs;
? To increase the knowledge of stakeholders on the importance of the BBBRS WHS.

The implementation of the enhanced Lionfish Project will result in:
? Strengthening of the Coral Reef Monitoring Network?s ability to respond to an event/activity that can have devastating effects on coral reefs;
? Development of an effective, long-term plan to mitigate the impact of lionfish in Belize;
? Continuation of stakeholder collaboration and participation in organized response mechanisms for reef conservation, protection and monitoring;
? Identification of lionfish prey, growth patterns and genetic diversity.
? Increased recognition of ECOMAR as a leadership organization in the field of stakeholder participation in reef monitoring.
? Increased knowledge in stakeholders of the importance of the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System World Heritage Site.