The Cayman United Lionfish League (CULL) is a shining example of community-driven conservation in action, particularly in the context of lionfish hunting in the Cayman Islands. Formed in March 2013, CULL has been at the forefront of tackling the environmental threat posed by the invasive lionfish species through organized lionfish culling tournaments¹. These tournaments are not just about controlling an invasive species; they represent a concerted effort by divers, snorkelers, and environmentalists to protect the local marine ecosystem from the potentially devastating impacts of the lionfish proliferation.

The tournaments organized by CULL are not only about reducing the lionfish population but also about raising awareness of the dangers these fish pose to the marine ecosystem in the Cayman Islands. By involving the local community and visitors in these events, CULL has turned lionfish hunting into a collaborative effort that unites people under a common environmental cause.

Lionfish are voracious predators and can significantly harm reef ecosystems by consuming native fish and competing for resources. This disruption can lead to a decrease in biodiversity and a change in the ecological balance of reef systems. The CULL tournaments aim to mitigate these impacts by reducing the lionfish numbers and have been a critical component of the Cayman Islands’ broader sustainability efforts.

These efforts are encapsulated in the regular culling competitions that CULL runs, which not only encourage the removal of lionfish from the reefs but also promote their consumption. Local restaurants have joined the cause, featuring lionfish dishes on their menus and thus supporting the idea of eating lionfish as a way to control their population. This initiative plays into mankind’s historical ability to hunt species, but here it is channeled towards a beneficial environmental outcome.

The impact of CULL’s work is measurable, with tournaments resulting in hundreds of lionfish being removed from local reefs at a time. For instance, during the 33rd tournament, 311 lionfish were culled, and during their 35th event, 142 of the invasive species were removed. This shows a significant effort and success in reducing the number of these predators in the local waters.

However, the work is ongoing and challenging. There are concerns that the lionfish population may be on the rise again, underscoring the need for frequent culls and continuous monitoring. This has led to an organized schedule of tournaments, with CULL holding four events annually, reflecting a sustained commitment to this environmental cause.

The organization’s dedication was further exemplified when, after lockdown restrictions due to the pandemic were lifted, CULL was quick to organize a tournament, which saw a removal of 861 lionfish from the reefs, showcasing the community’s resilience and commitment to the environmental cause even in challenging times.

In summary, the Cayman United Lionfish League is a pivotal organization in the fight against lionfish in the Cayman Islands, demonstrating how targeted, community-led initiatives can make a significant difference in conservation efforts. Through regular culling tournaments, educational outreach, and partnerships with local businesses, CULL not only helps maintain the health of the Cayman reefs but also engages the broader community in environmental stewardship. Their work embodies a proactive approach to conservation, combining the sport of lionfish hunting with a strong environmental ethos, thus making a lasting impact on the preservation of marine life in the region.