Lionfish have established devastating invasive populations throughout the Atlantic, requiring large-scale management that raises welfare questions about humane killing methods.
Lionfish management typically involves spearing by divers, which can cause wounds that do not kill immediately if placement is poor. The spines of lionfish carry venom that can injure careless handlers during removal and killing. Killing methods used after capture including ice, clove oil immersion, and crushing vary in their welfare properties. Lionfish are predatory fish with nervous systems capable of pain processing. As an invasive species, their welfare interests are balanced against the extreme harm they cause to native reef ecosystems. Developing effective trapping and efficient killing methods that reduce suffering is important. Lionfish derbies and organized removal events have shown effectiveness in localised population reduction.