Marine Conservation and Local Alliances: The Impact of the Coastal InterdisciplinaryProgram (PIC) in the Fight to Eradicate the Lionfish Plague in the Caribbean Sea of CostaRica

The Lionfish (Pterois volitans/miles), native to Asia, is classified under Executive Decree No. 39627-MINAE-MAG-TUR as a dangerous predator due to its highly effective hunting strategies, such as camouflage, ambush, and prey trapping. It feeds on juvenile fish, lobsters, and crustaceans, threatening Costa Rica's fisheries. The species has rapidly adapted to the country's waters and is capable of laying up to 60,000 eggs every four days, causing its
population to explode and negatively impacting local marine ecosystems. Furthermore, its venomous spines pose a danger to humans, causing severe pain when they puncture the skin.

According to the Executive Decree No. 39627-MINAE-MAG-TUR, the Lionfish is recognized as an invasive exotic species, defined as one that, when introduced outside its natural geographic range, competes with, preys upon, or disrupts native species, leading to habitat changes and threatening biodiversity.

The Lionfish has become a major environmental challenge in the Southern Caribbean of Costa Rica. Since its introduction in 2009, this invasive species has caused severe damage to local fish populations, lobsters, and snapper. To combat this, the government issued a decree recognizing the need to control the species, and local stakeholders have organized annual tournaments since 2013 aimed at eradicating it. These tournaments, such as the
Lionfish Fishing Tournament organized by the Southern Caribbean Artisanal Fishermen's Association (ASOPACS), provide a structured effort to capture and remove the species, helping reduce its environmental impact.

The tournament is not only a fishing competition but also serves as a platform for raising awareness about the dangers of the Lionfish invasion. Through these events, local communities gain a deeper understanding of the issue and the necessary actions to mitigate the damage. The Lionfish's rapid spread is a significant risk to Costa Rica's fisheries and the health of the Caribbean marine ecosystem, which in turn affects the local economy due to reduced fish stocks that are vital for both tourism and local consumption. 

The Coastal Interdisciplinary Program (PIC) of the National University of Costa Rica has been involved in strengthening local organizations since 2022. It has formed partnerships with local actors to help combat the Lionfish invasion through various activities, including event logistics, volunteer coordination, the creation of promotional materials, obtaining permits for divers, managing finances from sales, and supporting the ASOPACS initiative.
PIC has also contributed to raising awareness and engaging local coastal communities in this conservation effort.

The support provided by a program like PIC is crucial for organizing and planning every detail of the tournament, from logistics to promotion. This includes defining the tournament format, creating schedules, allocating resources, and coordinating teams and volunteers to ensure the event runs smoothly and successfully. 

References

Costa Rica, Gobierno del Bicentenario (2016) “Se crea comisión para control y aprovechamiento del pez león” 

Decreto Ejecutivo No. 39627- MINAE–MAG-TUR. Creación de la Comisión Nacional para el Manejo, Control y Aprovechamiento del Pez león en Costa Rica. ALCANCE DIGITAL N° 89.— La Gaceta Nº 106, 2016. 

Patricia Blanco Picado (2015). Oficina de Divulgación e Información UCR. Invasión del pez león al Caribe Perfil de un asesino serial.