The Invasion of the Lionfish
What was once just an attractive aquarium fish has recently become one of the biggest menaces in
the Atlantic. The lionfish was accidentally introduced into the Atlantic Ocean in the 1990s. Because
it has no natural predators, it has adapted quickly to its new home. The lionfish now threatens to
destroy native fish populations in the Atlantic, Caribbean, and Gulf of Mexico.
The lionfish spreads quite rapidly. Lionfish spread faster than any other invading species. Experts
have called the invasion in the Atlantic the worst marine invasion of all time. The lionfish's success
comes from an ability to reproduce all year round. In addition, they are greedy eaters with a fondness
for small fish and crustaceans. They will eat anything smaller than they are. Lionfish love the warm
waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Since their first sighting, they have rapidly multiplied. In some
locations, scientists estimate that lionfish populations exploded by 700 percent between 2004 and
2008 alone.
To combat the invasion, wildlife agencies have sponsored lionfish derbies. In these derbies, local
scuba divers are invited to harvest lionfish. In addition, many states offer recipes for preparing and
eating lionfish to encourage harvesting. Lionfish have to be handled carefully because of their
venomous spines, but they are apparently delicious. Increasing the harvest of lionfish will help.
However, scientists estimate that more than a quarter of the population would have to be taken
every month to stop the growing population.
The
lionfish has targeted our most fragile and important ecosystems. Scientists are working tirelessly
to learn as much as they can about this predator. We may never be able to completely remove the
threat, but many fishermen and seafood fans are hoping we can figure out how to control it.
Work Cited
Wilcox, Christie. "The Worst Marine Invasion Ever." Slate. July , 2013.
http://goo.gl/Vixpe
In the third paragraph, which line explains why lionfish must be handled carefully? (5 points)