Cozumel Marine Park Rules

[soundfield]

Hello fellow Divers,

I have been doing a research project regarding the feeding of Lionfish to reef predators in the marine park in Cozumel. I have been told by some; that DM's are allowed to spear "and feed" Lionfish to reef predators, and I have also been told that it is illegal to do this.

I am having trouble getting to the truth and does anyone know of a contact at the park service so I can get the information from the horses mouth, so to speak. There is so much mis information out there and getting to the truth has been a challenge. One DM says one thing, one DM says another and even the Cozumel Insider Magazine says that dive masters are doing this and the park service encourages it.

I can't find a contact for the Marine Park to get this question answered. What is the truth and the official position of the marine park on this toppic?

I'm not looking for any information as to why feeding should, or should not be done; I have a pile of information on that topic. I just need to know the parks official position on "Lionfish being fed to other fish on the reef".

Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks,

Adam D

 

[redacted]

It is illegal to drive your car at 51 mph on a roadway with a speed limit of 50. Where do you want to go with this?

 

[Karibelle]

Seems like he wants to understand what the real rule is, in the face of conflicting information.

Here is one contact at the park; hope it helps.

María Patricia Can Martínez <maria.can@conanp.gob.mx>
Ma. Patricia Can Martínez
Consultora PNUD

Cultura para la Conservación
Parque Nacional Arrecifes de Cozumel
Área de Protección de Flora y Fauna Isla de Cozumel

Tels.: (987) 872 46 89 y 872 42 75/ Ext.2
E-mail: maria.can@conanp.gob.mx

 

[soundfield]

@ awap; I wanted to show some video footage of Lionfish being fed to Eels, Nurse sharks, ect. in a public forum and I do not want to show any illegal activity whatsoever. I have conflicting information form multiple sources on the position the park has on the subject. I'm trying to keep everyone out of trouble and conflict. I wanted to show what was going on in attempt to teach reef predators that Lionfish are an easy meal if attacked. And yes, I would address the negative sides to this practice as well as the information on studies on this topic. I want my information to be accurate and free of misinformation to the best of my abilities. Thanks for the contact info, I really appreciate that very much.

---------- Post added November 23rd, 2013 at 03:42 PM ----------

 

[Ron Lee]

If you do not find out whether it is OK on Cozumel, you can always note the rules to the best of your knowledge.

 

[MMM]

Here is what I came up with when I did a Google search: Marine Park Regulations and Cozumel Dive Guide and Log Book

Now it also says it's against the rules to carry spears etc. but that knives etc. may be registered for use by guides/instructors. My understanding is that the same now applies to slings which is what many DMs use to kill lionfish. (The DM/owner I dive with usually uses two small aquarium fish nets). I really doubt that permission has been granted to feed the dead lionfish to other critters but it certainly makes a show for the tourist divers. We usually just leave them behind, dead. But I have seen a marked behavioural change in the animals higher up on the food chain since DMs began feeding lionfish to other marine life. They haven't "learned" to hunt lionfish...just to associate humans with being fed them...and being quite "assertive" in securing it.

 

[Dave Dillehay]

I believe that the only good lion fish is either dead or ceviche, and that goes for the National Park as well, even if on an informal basis. You will find it very difficult to get anyone to express anything but the formal law&#8212;which may preclude the killing of lion fish.

Dave Dillehay
Aldora Divers

 

[lindenbruce]

And what triple "M" said is the real problem. Marine life higher up on the food chain are associating humans with food. It won't be long before they start to associate humans as food. Those behavioral changes are the real danger. B.

 

[Dave Dillehay]

I'm not sure I understand that comment. Groupers, eels, and nurse sharks hardly represent the high end of the food chain and stand little chance of harming Divers. It's not like we are training Great White Sharks. But I am pretty sure that the Marine Life we are training to eat these invaders will learn to do it themselves. But I have to confess&#8230;They make the best ceviche I have ever tasted!

Actually, with time spent in the south pacific it seems that the local predators there learn to to eat the small ones, then once they get big leave them alone. That is why you only see big ones in Asia. That is my hope for Cozumel as well as the rest of the Caribbean.

Dave Dillehay
Aldora Divers

 

[soundfield]

I don't disagree that feeding changes behavior or that it doesent' promote diver food-association. I've sent an email to the Cozumel Reefs Marine Park to get an official statement on their position in this matter. Someone has to get to the bottom of this; as to it's legal or illegal, regardless of opinion.

WHAT ARE THE OFFICIAL PARK RULES??

I'm making a video on the exact subject and need facts, regardless if you feel it's ok or not. There is enough misinformation out there and I will do my best to get to the TRUTH about park rules. Keep spearing em' boys!