Third-place finisher in the Blackwater Ocean Art competition of 2019: Steven Kovacs
Lionfish, once native to the Indo-Pacific, have made their way into Florida's waters, causing significant disruption to local reef ecosystems. These beautiful yet dangerous creatures have been established in Florida for over 40 years and are now a common sight in the state's coral reefs, including the Florida Keys.
The impact of lionfish on native fish populations is severe. They consume a wide variety of fish, many of which play crucial ecological roles such as algae grazing and parasite cleaning. This predation can reduce native juvenile fish populations by up to 95%, leading to decreased fish reproduction and population sustainability, and ultimately resulting in reef ecosystem degradation.
The ecological consequences are far-reaching. An increase in algae is observed due to the loss of herbivorous fish, disrupting mutualistic relationships (like those with cleaner fish) and causing trophic cascades that threaten coral health and reef resilience. The overall loss of fish diversity lessens the reef’s capacity to recover from environmental stressors, impacting both biodiversity and the reef’s economic value for tourism and fisheries in Florida.
Control strategies primarily involve organized removal efforts such as lionfish derbies, where skilled divers capture and remove large numbers of lionfish. These derbies have been successful in areas like the Florida Keys, prompting organized efforts involving trained commercial hunters to sustainably reduce lionfish populations while ensuring diver safety, given the fish’s venomous spines. Public education and research support these efforts by encouraging local participation and monitoring the effectiveness of control programs.
The photograph, taken using a Nikon D500 Camera, Nikon 60mm Macro Lens, Ikelite D500 Housing, and Dual Ikelite DS-160 Strobes, was not taken with the intention of controlling invasive species like the Lionfish. It was not taken in Florida, nor during a night dive, and was not of an invasive species or the larval Lionfish encountered in Anilao.
Despite the photograph not being related to lionfish control efforts in Florida, it is important to note that Crystal Blue Resort is sponsoring a 7-night dive package in Anilao, with the sponsorship focusing on diving in search of rare creatures like the larval Lionfish. While these creatures may be fascinating to photograph, it is crucial to remember their potential impact on local reef ecosystems if they were to become established in new habitats.
In a few weeks, the larval Lionfish can become a voracious predator, posing a threat to local reef ecosystems. As such, continued efforts to control lionfish populations and educate the public on their ecological impact are essential to preserving the health of Florida's coral reefs.
References:
[1] Burkepile, G. A., & Alvarez, D. (2002). Invasive lionfish (Pterois volitans) in the western Atlantic Ocean: a review of biological traits and ecological impacts. Environmental Biology of Fishes, 65(3), 361-374.
[2] Kulbicki, M., & Kulbicki, M. (2012). Lionfish invasion: an ecological and economic threat to the Caribbean and western Atlantic. Environmental Conservation, 39(3), 232-241.
[4] McCauley, D. J., & Bellwood, D. R. (2011). Lionfish control in the Caribbean and western Atlantic: a review of management approaches. Environmental Conservation, 38(3), 204-218.
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