The frequency of lionfish sittings is increasing all over the Bahamas. Unfortunately, it seems that this will continue to be the trend as lionfish have no natural predators in Bahamian waters.
The consequences for the marine ecosystem could be severe as lionfish feed on many of the fish species that are also eaten by humans such as groupers, snappers and grunts. The local fish populations do not recognize lionfish as a predator. Left unchecked, lionfish could decimate fish populations. There is a very interesting interview with Eleanor Phillips of the Nature Conservancy about the effect of the increase of lionfish on local fish species in the Bahamas.
This shot was taken off the northern side of Rose Island in 15 to 20 feet of water. In this small section of reef, 2 lionfish are clearly visible and the fins of a third can also be seen. I have also seen lionfish while diving in Long Island and the Berry Islands.
In an effort to manage the lionfish program, the Department of Marine Resources in collaboration with the College of The Bahamas Marine and Environmental Studies Institute have with the assistance of the University of Miami Coastal Ecology Laboratory created an online lionfish sighting survey. Anyone who has seen lionfish in Bahamian waters and is in interested in helping to control the spread of lionfish should take the survey. It takes no more than 5 minutes and the information contributed will help control the spread of this potentially devastating invasive species.
Related posts:
{ 1 trackback }
{ 0 comments… add one now }