| Proactive Lionfish Alert Network - P.L.A.N. Honduras |
Why do we care about lionfish
Since 1992 the Lionfish, a native of the Pacific and Indian Oceans, have been spreading throughout the Caribbean Sea.
Thought to have been released from private and commercial aquaria on more than one occasion, in less than two decades Lionfish populations have established in areas across the Caribbean and in places exceed the density of even their native reefs in the Pacific.
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The species reproduces frequently facilitating their rapid spread across the Atlantic
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Aside from their voracious feeding habits, lionfish represent a very real threat to divers, snorkelers, and swimmers because of their venomonous spines |
Impact
Whilst it is uncertain what the exact ecological impact of the introduction of this species will be for Caribbean reefs,
potential negative impacts have been immediately apparent. There is evidence from studies in the Bahamas that the accumulation of new juvenile fish on reefs with Lionfish present was reduced by almost 80 % as opposed to those reefs in which no Lionfish were present (Albins and Hixson 2008). This means that Lionfish could severely affect the population density of reef fish which are essential in maintaining the balance on coral reefs. |
Why is this a problem
A further reduction in populations of important grazing fish such as parrotfish, (a fish that are already found in lower numbers here in Utila than biologists recommend for healthy reefs) could worsen the existing problem of algal dominance; where by macroalgae are replacing corals as the main cover on Caribbean reefs.
In addition such rapid and drastic reductions in the populations of small reef fish would deprive other local reef predators of important food sources including several of the smaller Grouper species which are already endangered by overfishing.
Whilst it is a complex problem it is important to remember Lionfish are not from the Caribbean and the local reefs are already under pressure from multiple threats. Alien species have a long history of upsetting ecological balances and in fragile systems this could have very serious consequences potentially affecting tourism, fishing and all other goods and services related to coral reefs.
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PLAN
The Proactive Lionfish Alert Network aims to prevent the damage caused by the spread of this invasive species onto Honduran reefs, by responding to an early alert of their arrival to remove them quickly before they become established.
The first recorded sighting and successful removal of a lionfish in Honduras occurred on the 23rd May 2009 from Punta Gorda, North East Roatán. It is important to maintain vigilance for further sightings. |
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The goal of PLAN Honduras is to raise awareness of the Lionfish as an invasive species and the potential damage they can cause. As Part of PLAN Honduras an early alert network to report sightings, answer questions and provide information on treatment of Lionfish stings.
If anyone has any information on possible sightings, or questions regarding treatment of stings or about the Lionfish invasion in general please contact us. |
