Targeted lionfish removals from the Sanctuary began in 2013. Under a federal permit, we continue to spear lionfish, which are measured and weighed, submitted for fin clippings (DNA samples and Ciguatera testing) and fillet samples, then frozen for later dissection and gut content analysis.  Fish surveys of native populations are compiled to determine distribution and effects of lionfish.

TPWD will conduct roving fish surveys, benthic surveys, and water collection for eDNA sampling. Initiatives include the collection of fin and tissue samples from lionfish for genetic analysis and ciguatera testing, and the measurement of water quality parameters for each artificial reef site.

Dr. Majoris & Texas A&M Corpus Christi's project focuses on studying the invasive Regal’s impact on the food and habitat, and how it's affecting native damselfish (Sargent Majors, Brown Crowmies, etc.).  We will asses distribution, collect live fish for larvae samples, and spear them under a federal permit.

This 4-year ongoing joint project (Texas A&M, LSU, U of Florida, U of Mississippi) led by Marissa Nuttall, uses acoustic tags surgically implanted in netted fish and receivers to track movement patterns of lionfish and other species (including tags that react with digestive enzymes, letting us know when a tagged fish has been consumed by a predator).