Marine Science Faculty Publications
Is the Lionfish Invasion Waning? Evidence from The Bahamas
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2017
Keywords
Habitat scaling, Marine invasion, Population growth, Time series
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00338-017-1620-7
Abstract
Indo-Pacific lionfishes (Pterois volitans/miles) have undergone rapid population growth and reached extremely high densities in parts of the invaded Atlantic. However, their long-term population trends in areas without active management programs are unknown. Since 2005, we have monitored lionfish abundance in the Exuma Cays of the central Bahamas on 64 reefs ranging in size from 1 to 4000 m2. Lionfish densities increased from the first sighting in 2005 through 2009, leveled off between 2010 and 2011, and then began to decrease. By 2015, densities had noticeably declined on most of these reefs, despite a lack of culling or fishing efforts in this part of The Bahamas. There was no consistent change in lionfish size structure through time. We discuss possible causes of the decline, including reductions in larval supply or survival, hurricanes, interactions with native species, and intraspecific interactions. Further studies are required to determine whether the declines will persist. In the meantime, we recommend that managers continue efforts to control invasive lionfish abundances locally.
Was this content written or created while at USF?
Yes
Citation / Publisher Attribution
Coral Reefs, v. 36, p. 1255-1261
Scholar Commons Citation
Benkwitt, Cassandra E.; Albins, Mark A.; Buch, Kevin L.; Ingeman, Kurt E.; Kindinger, Tye L.; Pusack, Timothy J.; Stallings, Christopher D.; and Hixon, Mark A., "Is the Lionfish Invasion Waning? Evidence from The Bahamas" (2017). Marine Science Faculty Publications. 2302.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/msc_facpub/2302
