Rafael A. Flores Jr.

Association, Company, Affiliations: Caribbean Lionfish Alliance “CLA”

Location: Aruba

Your favorite quote: “What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals.” — Henry David Thoreau

Your message or mission statement: Educate yourself, teach others and share beautiful experiences with those you meet and come in contact with. Treasure all of life’s precious moments.

Your latest endeavors and where they take place: Aruba – I’ve had the privilege of living in Aruba the last three years…hoping for a couple more but am satisfied and truly thankful to all of my new friends and some who I consider family for the beautiful memories. The ocean has been my backyard and I am amazed every time step in and become like a fish.

What efforts are you most proud of? Recently being a part of creating a foundation dedicated to the removal of invasive Lionfish while protecting the reef and native fish and fauna.

Anything else you’d like us to know? I started scuba diving back in 1997 in the Great Lakes of Michigan – Cold water diving until I had the opportunity to go to the Cayman Islands and discover tropical diving. I saw my first Lionfish shortly after getting certified and knew very little about them at that time. I am grateful to all of my scuba diving family for teaching me, mentoring me and giving me opportunities that I never could’ve imagined.

» Watch Interview with Rafael A. Flores Jr. Secretary of the Caribbean Lionfish Alliance aka CLA