A new conservation project to cull lionfish using remotely operated underwater vehicles is being launched.

Atlantic Lionshare Ltd, a Bermudian-based company, will start the initial testing of its Reef Sweeper prototype in the seas off Bermuda this week.

The firm has been working with the Bermuda Government to get the project off the ground and help preserve the island’s marine environment.

“It saddens me to see the devastation that these lionfish inflict,” Darius Martin the founder of Atlantic Lionshare said.

“We have worked hard to develop a commercially viable model so that the harvesting of lionfish can be a perpetual process and allow our reefs to slowly recover.

“The reefs are an important habitat for so many species whose survival is threatened unless we begin to combat this plague”.

Lionfish originate in the Pacific but have invaded the reefs in Bermuda and throughout the western Atlantic and Caribbean regions adversely affecting fish populations and their coral reef habitat.

Atlantic Lionshare hopes to expand its operations south to help other countries whose reefs have been devastated by lionfish.

A spokesperson from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources said: “Invasive lionfish threaten both fisheries and tourism across the region.

“We are proud to know that a Bermudian company is now leading the charge in combating the lionfish invasion, and we are excited to support the development of this important initiative.”

To find out more about the project, visit www.atlanticlionshare.com or contact Gavin Hunter on 747-4449.