Just returned from 10 days on Bonaire. Dove mainly south sites. Eliminated 60 lionfish or thereabouts and probably missed just as many. Most sites have multiple lionfish. Two sites had none but two sites also had 20 or more. Most are 55 ft and deeper but 60ft seemed to be the magic number. I was surprised that the majority were big enough to fillet and they are extremely good to eat. We cut the spines off, bagged them and cleaned them later.

There were very few markers on the reef and the ones we saw were obviously quite old and no lionfish were around them.

They are not issuing ELFs unless you are on island an extended period of time - more than just a couple of weeks. A new generation is apparently in the works. For myself, I think the ELFS are not very effective due to the type of reef Bonaire has. But thats just me.

At least STINAPA is trying.

What did you use to capture them? Sounds like whatever it was, was pretty efficient.

e.

Double post. Sorry!
e.

(Message edited by herk_man on February 10, 2011)

Help me out, what are ELFs? May I assume an ELF is some type of permit to catch the little buggers?

I'd love to hunt them if allowed. Is there any way for a two week visitor to do so? Some fresh lionfish filets would be a great addition to our dinner menu.

Thanks,
DS

DS...See this link on ELF....

http://reefprotectioninc.com/Default.aspx

Too cool. Looks like a zip gun with a spear rather than a cartridge.

The OP says they aren't issuing ELFs unless you'll be on the island for a long time. Can a person get one on his/her own and harvest the lionfish?

I can't say how effective they'd be in my hands,but it'd be a blast trying.

I could simply modify my Glock to fire under water, but then there's the whole unpleasant 'jail time' thing when I get caught bringing it in...!

Basically, if there is a way to hunt the things while diving, I'd be all over it. Any ideas?

(Message edited by DiveSergeant on February 11, 2011)

(Message edited by DiveSergeant on February 11, 2011)

[The OP says they aren't issuing ELFs unless you'll be on the island for a long time. Can a person get one on his/her own and harvest the lionfish?}

At the present time I believe that would be a big "NO"

DiveSergeant - if you want to be involved in the hunt for lionfish, I would suggest contacting Bas at VIP Diving (www.vipdiving.com). He has an ELF permit and can probably use spotters on his legal hunts. I am guessing that short-term visitors to the island can NOT just go out and kill lionfish on the reef without some sort of permit through STINAPA.

For an interesting video on the ELF in action, check out this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-_XDqZG6Yo&feature=player_profilepage

(Message edited by lizard0924 on February 11, 2011)

Soooooo, was Antoine legal? Or a vigilante?

e.

No need to modify your Glock, they will fire underwater!

I told nothing but the truth. I am on island an extended amount of time and checked with STINAPA regarding the rules and issuance of an ELF. The rest of you all have covered the details well enough otherwise.

"No need to modify your Glock, they will fire underwater!"- I'd just need to add the "Maritime Striker Spring Cups" and I'd be good to go! Still, underwater firing gets hard on the eardrums I'm told. Maybe I should just pass on the thought, can't afford the extra weight in the luggage anyway!

Thanks to all for the input. I've got time, so I can research more and maybe get info from STINAPA to see if there is a way.

Sorry Antoine, your line that says you were on Bonaire for 10 days didn't sound like extended time. Threw me off.

e.

To clarify: I was there 10 days this time. I am on island 6 weeks per year staying at my property.

Gotcha. Thanks. Glad you were able to contribute.... legally. :P

e.

Good hunting Antoine..I'll be joining the effort in less than two weeks and am honestly looking forward to it. I hope to beat your record. Hmm, I can taste those fillets now, dipped in a little pancake mix, sauteed in butter with fresh squeezed lemon and a dry Chablis (to be enjoyed as the sun sets into the Caribbean).