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Known for their show stopping appearance, venomous spines, and voracious appetites, invasive Indo-Pacific lionfish (Pterois volitans & Pterois miles) are the first non-native marine fish to become established in the Atlantic. Lionfish pose a significant threat to local marine ecosystems due to widespread predation of native species, prolific reproduction, and lack of controlling predators.
Main fabric: 88% Repreve® RPET (recycled polyester made from post-consumer plastic bottles), 12% spandex
Zipper: polyacetal resin (tough, high strength thermoplastic)
Zipper pull: high tensile strength nylon paracord
10% of profits from the sales of this product will be donated to Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF), an international marine conservation organization that has been at the forefront of action on invasive lionfish since 2006.
Orders are lovingly packaged using eco-responsible materials and shipped from our HQ in Miami, FL within the same or next business day. We’ll email you with your tracking info as soon as your order is shipped.
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Lionfish in their native range, from the South Pacific to the Red Sea, are an important part of the coral reef ecosystem and population numbers are kept in check through natural processes.
However, they are non-native to the Atlantic ocean and have become established as a harmful invasive species in this region, posing a significant threat to local marine ecosystems due to widespread predation on native species, prolific reproduction, and lack of controlling predators. Humans must intervene to reduce their impact in the invaded waters, and our Invasive Lionfish collection exists to promote action and awareness on this issue.
Beginning in the 1980s, two visually identical species of lionfish (Pterois miles and Pterois volitans) were introduced into the Atlantic via the US aquarium trade and have become the first non-native marine fish to become established in the Atlantic. Over the past decade, invasive lionfish densities in these non-native areas have exploded, as they have been documented along the entire US East Coast from Florida through Massachusetts, east to Bermuda, and south throughout the Caribbean. The expansion has been extremely rapid and exponential in scope.
Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF)’s Invasive Species Program has been at the forefront of the lionfish invasion since the arrival of the species in Florida in 2006, and 10% of profits from your purchase goes to this program. REEF’s efforts have included laying the groundwork for developing early detection and rapid response plans to mitigate the impacts, training resource managers and dive operators in effective collecting techniques, and conducting innovative research to better understand what has made Indo-Pacific lionfish the perfect invader.
“REEF’s partnership with Waterlust embodies our mission to protect biodiversity and ocean life by engaging and inspiring the public. We are proud to be part of Waterlust’s advocate apparel family, and are excited to continue working together to advance awareness and understanding of invasive lionfish and other marine conservation initiatives.”
Dr. Alli Candelmo, Conservation Science Manager
Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF)
Invasive Lionfish Sun Suit
The patterns are stunning. Unfortunately, I have a problem with the suit, which is in no way a fault of Waterlust, and is not a defect of manufacturing. I have had multiple surgeries on my neck, and the suit fits too snugly around my neck when zipped and worn properly with the zipper in the back. I can wear it with the zipper opening in the front, but then the thumb holes don't line up well, and the bottom edges of the suit aren't shaped to fold correctly when I move my legs.
Not only is the quality excellent, but it fit like a glove! I am usually a medium in bottoms and small in tops, but getting the small was fine (5’3” 115-118 lb). The material is thick, so I definitely feel that is helps block the rays. The pattern is vibrant and unique. I also of course feel good because it helps with conservation efforts. Love it!
Finally decided to try a sunsuit for my morning ocean swims. Posted are the before and after. I wear a speedo over my swim top to prevent billowing - even though I did go with the S rather than M just for this reason, and it keeps the shorts or leggings from rolling at the waist. Even though I look like a clown(fish) swimming I take that suit off when I emerge from the ocean and enjoy the rest of the day. Ready to test my new Lionfish (chose this to match my husband's board shorts) sun suit tomorrow AM .5 mile swim. Sizing is perfect (S) (5'7 & 135), love the sleeve length for my long arms, neck is ok, butt cut is just right , can zip up by myself (can't with a wet suit), and just tight enough across chest so no additional support needed. My only concern is potential for chafing at anterior axillary area (dry range motion is fine) throughout my stroke. Have to figure out using thumb slots and how to wear my watch. Will update. Thanks Waterlust for super efficient ordering and speedy shipping!
100% use the size chart. The fit is flattering, the raglan cut on the sleeves offers a lot of room for my shoulders, and the colors are vibrant. I feel very ready to just be in the water un-self-consciously in this.
Beautiful product, makes me look amazing and created by a company committed to a world with a future. Love Love Love. I am small, 5’1” and 50 kgs, the small size seems to work for me.
Purpose-Driven, Family-Run
Advocate for Marine Conservation
Donate to Research + Education
Eco-Responsible