Friends of Islands Initiatives, Inc. recognizes the harm that invasive species can have on small island communities in the Caribbean and the waters surrounding them. For that reason, we have become involved in efforts to impact invasive lionfish and Vervet monkeys in and around Nevis.

Please help us in these efforts by considering a donation to our organization.

Lionfish Impact Local Fishing throughout Caribbean

In 2017 and 2025, Friends of Islands Initiatives, Inc. sponsored Lionfish Hunts alongside the Nevis Historical & Conservation Society and others to encourage local fishermen to target a sustainable fish source for sale to restaurants and the public.

The event included prizes for the largest number caught by a team, the heaviest catch total, largest fish, and smallest fish. Fishermen demonstrated how to safely fillet and cook the catch, which was served to all participants. Similar efforts to diminish the invasive lionfish have taken place on Bonaire and St. Vincent  and the Grenadines.

In addition, we provided lionfish sunblocking t-shirts to participants as well as prizes of spears and catch baskets for the largest lionfish, the heaviest catch, and the most lionfish caught. 

Lionfish Hunts

Vervet Monkeys Prevent Sustainable Agriculture on Nevis

Vervet monkeys have all but eliminated sustainable agriculture on the island of Nevis. Marauding troupes of monkeys devastate fruit trees and crops. This invasive species has overtaken Nevis and St. Kitts, as well as Saint Maarten and Barbados in the Caribbean. Increasingly, monkeys present a hazard to pets and young children, as well as preventing Nevis from developing its agricultural sector. 

Thus far, efforts to contain the monkey population have been ineffective. Friends of Islands Initiatives, Inc. seeks to partner with other organizations to control the monkey population.