[Coral-List] Lion fish question
Lad Akins
Lad at reef.org
Wed Apr 17 15:18:56 EDT 2013
HI Steve,
There are many publications out there documenting the impacts of invasive
lionfish and the differences between native and invaded range populations.
As a starting point, try the recently published Invasive Lionfish: A Guide
to Control and Management available via the GCFI website at www.gcfi.org
Aside from the info you are looking for, there is also a good literature
citation section.
All the best,
Lad
**************************
Lad Akins
Director of Special Projects
REEF
P O Box 370246
98300 Overseas Hwy
Key Largo FL 33037
(305) 852-0030 w
(305) 942-7333 c
www.REEF.org
Lad at REEF.org
-----Original Message-----
From: coral-list-bounces at coral.aoml.noaa.gov
[mailto:coral-list-bounces at coral.aoml.noaa.gov] On Behalf Of Steve Mussman
Sent: Wednesday, April 17, 2013 2:15 PM
To: coral-list at coral.aoml.noaa.gov
Subject: [Coral-List] Lion fish question
This story is among many that has appeared recently in the main stream
media. It compares the impact
of lion fish to "a living oil spill".
http://www.npr.org/2013/04/17/177359109/lionfish-attack-the-gulf-of-mexico-l
ike-a-living-oil-spill
My question is what scientific evidence is there that reduced fish
populations and / or reef decline
is directly related to the lion fish invasion?
Is it possible that lion fish are in fact becoming a convenient
scapegoat?
I realize that they are likely contributing to the problem, but are we
overlooking other more prominent factors?
Natural predatory behavior seems to be developing as some reef species
are
learning to feed on lion fish.
As far as I know reef fish are still abundant on the Pacific reefs where
lion fish are indigenous even though
they have few known predators in their natural surroundings.
I just returned from a Caribbean destination where it appeared obvious
based
on my personal baseline that
the reefs are in decline. There were many lion fish spotted and speared,
but
do we really know if the impact
of this invasive species is as profound as many are asserting?
Regards,
Steve
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