This past January, I had the opportunity to go on a faculty-led study abroad program to the Island School in Eleuthera, Bahamas. During the 10-day Tropical Island Ecology course, we got to explore the local flora and fauna on various different adventures around the island. We snorkeled alongside Caribbean Reef sharks, Southern Rays, and so many different species of fish. However, there was one species of fish that was an invasive species of concern. The Lionfish, Pterois volitans, were introduced to the Atlantic waters in the early 1990’s.
They came from their native region in the Indian and Pacific Oceans due to the aquarium trade. By the early 2000’s, Lionfish were first spotted in the Bahamas. With their release to local waters, these fish had a high competitive advantage for survival comparative to native species.
Lionfish have poisonous spines located on each of their fins. This is a mechanical defense mechanism that protects them from predators. They are also generalist eaters, this means that they will eat any food available to them. They create a vacuum seal to capture their prey and will eat anything they capture. Once the fish on the lower trophic levels are gone, Lionfish will eat their way up the food chain. This is detrimental to reef health as they have a huge impact on lowering biodiversity.
They also have the ability to take over reefs by reproducing fast and in high amounts. Lionfish are able to reproduce year round and the female will release thousands of eggs at once. They have an exponentially growing population and with no present predators, their populations need to be controlled.
Before exploring our first reef patch, the eco-guides from the Island School warned us about seeing Lionfish. We were told if we saw one, to alert the guides and hover at the surface to keep an eye on the organism. That way, they could jump in the water and capture the Lionfish with a spear. They were then placed on the boat and removed from the ecosystem.
This is a regular practice for Bahamian locals as Lionfish cause a lot of harm to the native ecosystems. Furthermore, there are other implementations and initiatives to help control the invasive population. The Island School hosted a program called “ You Slay, We Pay”. This was a campaign initiative to provide financial compensation to local fishermen per pound of Lionfish they captured.
This was primarily done during the Lobster closed season to further motivate locals to control the population. This Island School campaign also encouraged people to eat Lionfish! They are simultaneously detrimental to reefs and delicious. There are many ways to eat Lionfish and due to their large populations and fast reproductive abilities, they are currently a sustainable food source. They can be eaten in a range of ways, anything from ceviche to deep fried.
The Lionfish invasion impacts a large range of the warmer Atlantic waters. Both education and action are important to understand why their removal is important and how it can keep reef ecosystems alive and healthy. The health of Bahamian reefs are at risk from the advanced pressures of Lionfish that must be addressed for the longevity of biodiversity in the Bahamas.
