I will be coming to Ambergris Caye in July 2012 and I would like to participate in the harvesting of Lionfish. I saw a spear gun designed specifically for this task that is not supposed to harm the coral. My question is, can I use it as long as I am not using scuba gear? I understand there is no spearfishing with Scuba. Thanks for your time. :))

The rules have changed. The White Sands Crew killed 80 in the tournament yesterday but only came in second place!
https://www.facebook.com/events/262752753783609/

Island Divers Belize came in with 167 lionfish. Most of the fish were still alive.
White Sands came in with 68

Unfortunately, White Sands and Island Divers were the only teams to bring any fish in and participate in this Lion Fish tournament.

It is normally illegal to kill any fish on scuba. The lion fish is the only fish allowed right now because they are a serious problem.

There isn't a lionfish spear that will not hurt the coral if you hit the coral with the device. You might want to look at the FOOLS (Fraternal Order Of Lionfish Slayers) device as it was designed on the island and is accepted by the Belize fisheries Dept.
The spear alonf with the catch bag have been the most successful items so far in the eradication of the lionfish.
The Fisheries will allow hunting lionfish with scuba only if you are using a approved spear.
www.liofishfools.org Fools also teaches a PADI and SDI specialty course. on San Pedro contact Venancio Tillett 626 5217