SSI recognizes the urgent need to address the threats posed by invasive species to aquatic biodiversity. The Invasive Species Management specialty, taught by Get-N-Wet Scuba's recognized instructors, trains divers in identifying, safely removing, and managing invasive species, particularly in sensitive aquatic environments. Divers play a crucial role in preserving native species and restoring ecological balance.

Native to the Pacific Ocean, lionfish are progressively invading the north-western Atlantic and the Caribbean, where they have no natural predators. Lionfish are voracious eaters — they outcompete native reef fish for prey, eat juvenile native fish directly, and can consume more than 70 species of fish and invertebrates, reducing native fish populations on some reefs by up to 90 percent. With no real predators in their new range, populations can reach up to 200 fish per acre, and a single female can spawn over two million eggs a year. This course teaches you what action is needed to control the lionfish population, and during two open water dives, you'll learn practical ways to safely and humanely capture and euthanize these fish. Prerequisite: SSI Open Water Diver or equivalent. Minimum age: 15.

What to expect

• Prerequisite: SSI Open Water Diver or equivalent
• Minimum age: 15
• Two open water dives focused on hands-on skills
• Safe, humane lionfish capture and euthanization techniques
• Part of SSI's broader Ocean Guardian initiative to protect marine environments

FAQ

What's the prerequisite for this course?

SSI Open Water Diver or equivalent, with a minimum age of 15.

Why are lionfish a problem?

Lionfish have no natural predators in the Atlantic and Caribbean, so they outcompete and eat native fish at an alarming rate — reducing native fish populations on some reefs by up to 90 percent.

What will I actually do during the course?

You'll complete two open water dives learning practical, safe, and humane techniques for capturing and euthanizing invasive lionfish.

Is this related to the SSI Ocean Guardian specialty?

Yes — the SSI Ocean Guardian Specialty was created specifically to address the lionfish invasion and equip divers to help protect the marine environment.