[Coral-List] Lion fish question
Steve Mussman
sealab at earthlink.net
Mon Apr 22 16:03:03 EDT 2013
Lad,
I have concernedly read several of the papers that have been published on
the subject and donât disagree with conclusions indicating that lionfish are
affecting the structure and function of invaded marine ecosystems and that
predation by lionfish is having negative effects on native reef fish
communities. I also find it logical to assume that lionfish mortality is
highest in the egg, larval and juvenile stages as it is with most other
species. Therefore, Bruceâs comments that attention needs to be focused on
all aspects of the life cycle when it comes to population control is well
received. Whether predation of adult lionfish could contribute further to
their control if healthy populations of larger fish existed has yet to be
determined and is likely far more difficult to ascertain. But I would think
that populations of both planktivores and top level predators look
depauperate when contrasting Indo-Pacific reefs to areas of the Western
Atlantic, Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico.
I did not mean to suggest that divers are misguided in their attempts to
control lionfish populations. These efforts can be helpful to some extent if
carried out responsibly. At the same time I would hasten to suggest that
significant damage to coral reefs can occur if lionfish hunting is
over-hyped. Iâve seen too many over-zealous divers damage reefs in pursuit
of their prey during the highly regulated lobster season. Imagine the
carnage if no oversight or limitations existed. As to the overall
effectiveness of current strategies to minimize impact and allow for the
recovery of native reef fish populations, that remains to be seen, but there
is reason for hesitancy. For one thing, lionfish are known to inhabit zones
well beyond the depth limits of the sport diving community.
Where we agree is on the need to focus on the assumption that we should be
advocating a more comprehensive approach. I certainly support all efforts by
the diving industry to address the various threats to marine ecosystems and
promote conservation, but I still find it troubling that this particular
threat is so enthusiastically embraced while other, perhaps even more
prominent issues are met with indifference. {Green et al} may have made an
effective argument for lionfish controls, but think of the multitude of
papers {along with the ICRS consensus statement} drawing attention to the
threats that climate change holds for coral reefs that this same industry
conspicuously chooses to ignore.
Regards,
Steve
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