At Sand Dollar Sports, marine conservation has been part of our commitment to Cozumel for more than a decade. One of the ways we contribute is through ongoing support for local lionfish control efforts.
Why is it important to rid our seas of lionfish?
Lionfish are truly beautiful and a sight to behold underwater. Their long, flowing fins are spectacular. And their dorsal fins contain venomous spines that can injure an unsuspecting diver. They are apex hunters, and their coloring and markings give them a formidable appearance. But these beautiful fish are not from these waters and are considered an invasive species. They have voracious appetites and breed remarkably quickly. One female can release between 15,000 and 30,000 eggs during each spawning event. They can reproduce every 3-4 days all year long! And to further protect their species, their eggs have a special toxic coating that keeps other sea animals from eating them.
It is estimated there are millions of these invasive fish in the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean. As lionfish numbers increase, they can place greater pressure on coral reef ecosystems. Lionfish prey on herbivorous fish, which normally help keep algae under control by feeding on it. When herbivore populations decline, algae can spread more rapidly and compete with corals for space and resources, potentially harming overall reef health. And this is exactly why many national and local governments and trained dive centers are working hard to remove these invasive fish from seas where they don’t belong.
Many countries are now capturing these invasive species and adding their meat to their restaurant menu! This fish is surprisingly delicious. specialty seafood restaurants and sushi bars in coastal areas like Florida, California, and the Caribbean offer this meat. For a comprehensive lists that serve this fish, visit the REEF website.
Lionfish Control Brigade
In recent years, collaboration among environmental authorities, marine biologists, trained divers, and local tourism operators has strengthened efforts to monitor and manage lionfish populations around Cozumel.
As part of this work, Sand Dollar Sports supports the Official Lionfish Control Brigade by providing boats, tanks, and fuel for monitoring and targeted removal activities within the Parque Nacional Arrecifes de Cozumel.
Our instructors have also received specialized training to participate as brigade volunteers. This allows our team to contribute directly to monitoring efforts while gaining knowledge and experience that can be shared with our diving community.
But the Brigade’s work goes beyond lionfish removal. It includes:
- Monitoring lionfish abundance and distribution
- Providing environmental education
- Training tourism professionals
- Promoting responsible practices within the diving community
Our history with lionfish control goes back to the early stages of local initiatives. We have supported efforts such as the development and use of the ELF (Eradicate Lionfish) device, while also encouraging responsible practices among divers.
Conservation is Key
For us, this is an example of how dive operators can contribute to conservation, not only through what happens underwater, but through training, monitoring, education, collaboration, and active participation in local conservation initiatives.
These efforts are also part of our Green Fins Action Plan 2026, reinforcing our commitment to continually improve our environmental practices and involve our team in conservation actions beyond the dive itself.
From diving and monitoring to education and collaboration, every action contributes to protecting Cozumel’s reefs. We welcome you to come and experience sustainable scuba diving, snorkeling, or SNUBA with Sand Dollar Sports in beautiful Cozumel!
