Lionfish Research Program
Non-native Lionfish invade a reef in the Bahamas.: Photo by Tom DeMayo
Indo-pacific Red Lionfish Lionfish (Pterois volitans) have been documented along the entire US East Coast from Florida through Massachusetts, east to Bermuda and south throughout the Bahamas and in other Caribbean nations such as Turks and Caicos and Cuba. The expansion has been extremely rapid and exponential in scope.
What's The Problem?
Lionfish are:• Voracious predators being shown to eat native fish and crustaceans in large quantities. (Juvenile Nassau grouper have been found in lionfish stomachs in the Bahamas)• Not known to have any native predators• Equipped with venomous dorsal, ventral and anal spines, which deter predators and can cause painful wounds in humans.• Capable of reproducing year-round with unique reproduction mechanisms not commonly found in native fishes• Relatively resistant to parasites, giving them another advantage over native species• Fast in their growth, able to outgrow native species with whom they compete for food and space.
Non-native marine fishes can pose a major threat to marine fisheries, habitats and eco-system function. Increased reports of non-nativespecies and the successful invasion of lionfish in Atlantic waters have proven the need for early warning and rapid response to confirmed sightings. The Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF), has been working with Federal, State and local partners as well as divers and dive operators, public aquaria and foreign fisheries departments to enact rapid response documentation and removals and assist with scientific investigations related to non-native marine species.
What is REEF doing about it?
Since 1994, REEF has maintained an on-line educational section on non-native species as well as an on-line Exotic Species Reporting page. Divers are encouraged to submit any sightings of non-native species via this sightings reporting form. Beginning in January of 2007, REEF has partnered with local dive operators to help document lionfish sightings and collect lionfish samples for NOAA and Bahamian researchers. As of August 2007, over 400 fish have been documented. To aid in this effort, REEF is enlisting interested divers and snorkelers to join in on organized lionfish projects. These projects are led by REEF staff, national aquarium staff, and/or scientific researchers and include educational lectures on current lionfish research as well as daily diving opportunities.
How can you help?
* If you are conducting a REEF survey and encounter a lionfish (or any non-native species), please report the species as a write in species on the back of the REEF scansheet. Whenever possible, please include an extra sheet of paper with extended details about habitat the fish was in, behaviors noted, other species it was hanging out with, and approximate size. Also indicate if you have photo/video of the fish. Please also report your sighting through our exotic species online reporting form.
* If you see a lionfish when you are not surveying, please use our Exotic Species Sighting Form to submit your information.
*Participate in a REEF Lionfish Research Trip.
Results from REEF's Lionfish Research Program
Sightings from the REEF Program have been included in the US Geological Survey Nonindigenous Aquatic Species database. Lionfish sightings data, submitted to REEF and collected during REEF lionfish research expeditions, have also been included in a range map generated by the USGS.
REEF's Lionfish Research Program in the News
REEF's critical research and education efforts on the invasion of the Indo-Pacific Lionfish into Atlantic and Caribbean waters have been featured in several news stories, publications and video media. Visit the Lionfish Media page for a complete set of links.
Collaborative Team and Major Supporters
The Lionfish studies have been part of a collaborative program between REEF and several partners, including:
Funding for the Lionfish program has been provided by The Elizabeth Ordway Dunn Foundation, the Mote Marine Laboratory's Protect Our Reefs Program, and NOAA National Marine Sanctuary Program.
Generous logistical support has been provided by Bruce Purdy, Stuart Cove's Dive Bahamas, and David and Trish Ferguson. Dozens of REEF volunteers have donated their time to assist with field research.