The Prefecture of Martinique has issued a decree repealing a previous decree that authorized the fishing of a fish species considered invasive: the lionfish. Is this an encouraging sign for Martinique? Has this species finally been brought under control? Is biodiversity protected once again? In any case, this announcement bodes well for Martinique’s marine environment.
New Ban
The Maritime Authority signed Order No. R02-2026-05-05-00001, dated May 5, 2026, regarding the repeal of «the authorization to fish for lionfish using scuba gear,» as stated in Article 1 of the decree. The previous decree—No. 02-2024-12-12-00003—had been issued on December 12, 2024, by Xavier Nicolas, Director of the Maritime Affairs Department, on behalf of the prefect.
Article 2 of Decree 2026 provides that «officers and agents authorized to enforce fisheries regulations are responsible for enforcing this decree, which will be published in the collection of administrative acts of the Prefecture of Martinique.».
According to the Martinique Marine Nature Reserve, there are two different species of lionfish, also known as flying scorpionfish, in Caribbean waters: the Pterois volitans and the Pterois Miles. The female is believed to be capable of laying approximately 30,000 eggs in just a few days, making it an invasive species if its population is not controlled. This was the reason why fishing for this species was permitted and unregulated—neither by season nor by the size of the fish caught.
Preservation & Safety
This decision to issue an executive order in 2026, revoking the fishing authorization, is based, on the one hand, on the observation that «regulation of the lionfish population is occurring—whether naturally or facilitated by commercial and recreational fishing—to a greater extent than through scuba diving.» Furthermore, the prefectural decree was issued taking into account «safety concerns for divers» and the need to «protect other marine resources in the context of scuba diving.».
All of this stems from a commitment to ensuring the safety of people working in the marine environment and to preserving Martinique’s fishery and marine resources.
