Question:
How did lionfish end up in the Atlantic Ocean?
Answer:
The accidental or intentional release of aquarium specimens is the most likely mechanism for the introduction of this species into the Atlantic. Many aquarium owners believe
that they are being kind to their fishes by releasing them when they grow too big for their tanks – intentional releases were especially a problem after the Finding Nemo movie, although
that was after the lionfish problem started. The timing of the first sightings of lionfish suggests that property destruction during Hurricane Andrew may
have been responsible for many accidental introductions. It is possible that eggs or larvae may have been transported in ballast water of ships moving
between the oceans, but this is unlikely. And since Bermuda does not permit the live importation of marine species for aquaria, we have to presume that
the lionfish here were transported as larvae from U.S. populations. The fact that the first individual collected here in 2000 was a juvenile supports this theory.Question: Where are they being seen in Bermuda?
Answer:
They are living on Bermuda's coral reefs, at all depths. They have been caught in tidepools, and in lobster traps at 250 feet, and have been seen at a variety of depths in between. Question:
What do you think are the potential effects of lionfish on Bermuda's marine ecosystems?
Answer: It's too early to tell the effects that lionfish may have on Bermuda's marine ecosystems and fisheries. At present, their numbers appear to be
relatively low, with about 24 total sightings and captures. If this is the case, then their effects will probably be negligible. The recent sightings and
captures of lionfish from greater depths, however, suggest that they may be more abundant than first thought. If the population is growing and the
species is actually reproducing here, then the problem may be more significant. Question: How could they be a danger to marine life here?
Answer: Lionfish are voracious predators, particularly of small fishes. There
is a definite risk that, if their numbers increase, they will begin to have an effect on local fish populations if they prey too extensively on the juveniles.
They may also compete with populations of other predatory fishes, and could cause particular problems for vulnerable grouper species that are only
now beginning to show signs of recovery from overfishing in the 1970s and '80s. Question: Why is it important to preserve native species and avoid introducing new ones?
Answer: Invasive species often have no natural predators in their new
environments, so their populations can grow faster than those of native species. This is particularly true of the lionfish, which has venomous spines
and is virtually impossible to eat. The invaders then compete with similar native species for resources, such as food and habitat space. They may
also prey on vulnerable native species that have evolved slow growth or low reproductive rates in the absence of predators of this kind. Depending on
the method of introduction, exotic species may also introduce new parasites or diseases to the ecosystem. Question: Why can't we just catch all the lionfish?
Answer: Although Bermuda's reef environments cover a comparatively
small area and it would nice to think that we could just go out there and catch all the lionfish, there are two problems with this plan. First, these fish are
quite hard to catch and handle because of their venomous spines. Second, lionfish appear to be breeding at various locations along the southeast
coast of the United States, so there will probably be a regular supply of larvae coming across to Bermuda from these populations unless conservation managers in the United States are also able to remove all
individuals from that much larger area. Question: What should people do if they see a lionfish?
Answer: Lionfish sightings should be reported to the
Bermuda Biodiversity Project, which forwards the information to the Reef Environmental Education Foundation that is monitoring a variety of exotic species in the region. Don't
try to capture lionfish because of their spines. Also, some people have confused lionfish with the native Sargassum fish, which should be left alone.
If you happen to catch a lionfish on a hook and line, stay clear of the spines and lower the fish into a bucket of seawater, then cut the line. Do not attempt to remove the hook. I am interested in hearing about sightings so I can examine the diet and age structure of the individuals in Bermuda. Specimens from any incidental captures can be dropped off to me at BBSR. |
