St. Lucia Campaign 2025

The St. Lucia Campaign 2025 highlights the results of a focused lionfish control initiative carried out in collaboration with the Soufrière Marine Management Area (SMMA). Over a 100-day period, Turn The Tide (TTT) conducted structured field operations across multiple reef sites to help reduce invasive lionfish pressure and support healthier reef ecosystems.

Key Results at a Glance

• 1,563 lionfish removed

• 398 kg (877 lbs) of biomass extracted

• 113 documented dives

• 16 reef sites covered

• Approximately 35 hectares of reef monitored and managed

• Estimated 45% reduction in local lionfish density within the survey area

Why This Matters

Lionfish are an invasive species with few natural controls in the Caribbean. They consume large numbers of juvenile reef fish, placing additional stress on ecosystems already affected by climate change, habitat degradation, and other pressures.

Targeted lionfish removal helps:

• Reduce predation pressure on native reef fish

• Support herbivorous fish that help control algae

• Improve conditions for coral growth and recovery

• Strengthen overall reef ecosystem resilience

While lionfish control is not a complete solution to reef decline, it is one of the few conservation actions that can produce direct and measurable local benefits.

Beyond Removal Numbers

The campaign also involved structured field observations, population monitoring, documentation of removal effort and site coverage and the collaboration with local marine managers and stakeholders

These activities provide valuable information that can help guide future management decisions and support long-term conservation planning.

Management Priorities Identified

The campaign reinforced several important priorities for effective lionfish management:

• Consistent year-round control efforts

• Ongoing monitoring of lionfish and native species

• Strong coordination among local stakeholders

• Community participation and awareness

The infographic above provides a concise overview of the St. Lucia Campaign 2025, including operational effort, removal results, ecological impact estimates, and management recommendations for future reef conservation actions.