Lionfish Presentation

LIONFISH AWARENESS AND CAPTURE WORKSHOP

Institute of Marine Affairs6 December 2012

Chaguaramas

PresenterPresentation NotesIntroduction: Introduce yourself and experience with lionfish elimination- you are not an expertHave participants introduce themselves, give any experience they havePresentation: based on participants introduction make presentation more or less in-depth- do they want to learn more? Or just shoot lionfish?

Goals and objectives

To introduce stakeholders to lionfish biology, and behavior in their natural habitat

To provide an overview of the problems associated with invasive species and the invasion of lionfish into Caribbean waters

To emphasize the importance of eliminating lionfish in the Caribbean by enabling divers to plan, organize and execute lionfish elimination dives in a safe and effective manner

Demonstrate specific elimination techniques while still focusing on the environment

Demonstrate containment of lionfish in lionfish containment unit

Demonstrate appropriate handling techniques

How can you identify a Lionfish? What are their physical characteristics?

Lionfish and Their Natural Habitat

They can be difficult to find at times because they have specialized swim bladder muscles, which allow them to orient themselves horizontally, vertically and even upside down in the water. Because of this, they are often hiding upside down in holes and under ledges

Look-a-likes

Flying Gurnard or Sea RobinClosely related to the Atlantic Flying fishWhen disturbed, spreads ventral fins like wingsFound almost exclusively on sandy bottomNot a threat to the reef

Look-a-likes

Harlequin BassNot a lionfishNon-poisonousNot a risk to the reef

Look-a-likes

Crapaudfish or ToadfishNot a lionfishPlain ol uglySome may be venomousNot a risk to the reef

Look-a-likes

Red-spotted HawkfishWhile size and coloration are similar, long fins and plumes are missingLionfish are stripped, not spottedNot a threat to the reef

Look-a-likes

ScorpionfishIn the same family as the lionfishAlso venomous spines (don't touch!)Lacks long dorsal, anal, and ventral spinesNot a threat to the reef

What is the lionfishs natural habitat?

What are the feeding patterns of lionfish?


Lionfish are voracious ambush predators; they herd smaller fish and crustaceans using their pectoral fins, then eat them quickly. Lionfish can withstand long periods of starvation due to the stomachs ability to stretch to over 30 times the original volume.

Reef habitats in the Indo-PacificReefs to depths of greater than 50 mGenerally consists of rocky regions on coral reefs

What is an invasive species? And why are invasive species a problem?

Non-native to the ecosystem Cause, or likely to cause, economic or

environmental harm or harm to humans Cause extinction of native plants and

animals Reduce biodiversity and alter native habitats Compete with native organisms for limited

resources Economic costs Lionfish are by definition an invasive

species; native to the Indo-Pacific and they have impacts to native reef fish communities and to human health

Invasive Species and Lionfish in the Caribbean

Invasive Species and Lionfish in the CaribbeanWhat is the most likely theory of how lionfish arrived in Caribbean and

Atlantic waters?

There are two species - collectively known as Lionfish Three Hypotheses:

Deliberate release of captive lionfish Accidental releases of lionfish Ballast water of large ocean going vessels

*Most likely a combination of many deliberate and accidental releases*

When did lionfish arrive in Caribbean and Atlantic waters? What is the distribution and density of lionfish in Caribbean

and Atlantic waters?


PresenterPresentation NotesWHEN: East coast of south Florida in 1985. DENSITY: Bahamian densities are many times higher than in their native range (5 times)- invasion bloomed in 2004-2007. DISTRIBUTION: Lionfish are thriving in both the warm temperate and subtropical reaches of the Caribbean and Atlantic. Limitations (10 degrees C) as far south as to Sao Paulo, Brazil(?)

WHEN: There is a greater listing of first sightings on the NOAA website.DENSITY: Lionfish densities have already surpassed what scientists estimated at the initial invasion. Theoretically they should not be able to sustain themselves at the numbers they are currently found in.DISTRIBUTION: Show the distribution maps- 2000 is the year when they were established in the eastern seaboard. 2006 is midway through the Bahamian bloom. 2009 is the year they were sighted in Bonaire.

What are the reproductive patterns of lionfish?How often can a lionfish reproduce? How many eggs can one

lionfish produce?


Sexual maturity within one to two yearsLarvae become free floating (as long as 26 days) and are dispersed over wide areasCan reproduce several times per month, year round (as often as every 4-5 day)Each lionfish can produce over two million eggs per year with 30,000 produced at each spawning event (15,000 per egg sac)

PresenterPresentation NotesFertilization: Similar to other reef fish (where male and female swim towards the surface releasing their gametes), except the female releases the egg masses and the male follows them up while fertilizing.We dont know much about the egg masses; they are not often seen in the wild only in lab settings.Why is this important to the invasive area: they are very reproductively successful at a young age which makes them more competitive on the reef (grouper dont become sexually mature for 7-10 years for eg), and the egg masses get widely dispersed by wind and currents- this is one reason why they have been so successful as an invasive fish Just by getting one lionfish they are making a difference by removing the possible 2 million eggs per year

What are the lionfishs natural predators?

Lionfish have few natural predators and we know little about the factors controlling lionfish densities in their native range. Possible predators may include:

Cornetfish (Red sea) Shark Grouper Eels Other lionfish (cannibalistic) Disease and parasites



What are the hazards associated with lionfish? What are first aid procedures for stings? How do you avoid them?

Lionfish have venomous spines including 13 dorsal spines, 3 anal spines and 2 pelvic spines.

Venom glands extend upwards three quarters towards the tip of the spine. When the tip of the spine is disturbed the skin is pushed back, causing the glandular tissue to rip

and the venom to be released.

Symptoms may include:Intense throbbing

Radiating, sharp pain Tingling sensationsProfuse sweating

First Aid: Immerse the area in hot water, seek medical attention.

Always be aware of the lionfish when in the water with them, and remember they can sting you after they are dead


18 venomous spines: 13 dorsal spines, 3 anal spines and 2 pelvic spines

Venomous Lionfish Spines


Getting stung by lionfish. What to do?At the site of the injury the pain is accompanied by an intense throbbing which radiates out and reaches its full intensity after 60 to 90 minutes and lasts for 6 to 12 hours. It may persevere for days or weeks.

Severity of the pain can differ amongst individuals and individual lionfish.In extreme cases the toxin may cause vomiting, seizures and cramps and if left untreated, abdominal pain and paralysis leading to complications of the respiratory system and heart

Lionfish stings are best treated as soon as possible by placing the affected area in water as hot as one can stand and taking some painkillers, then seeking medical attention. Of course the best cure is prevention: if at all possible, look but dont touch

What is the characteristic habitat of lionfish in Caribbean and Atlantic

waters?

What are the environmental impacts of lionfish in Caribbean and Atlantic waters?

Adapted to many different habitats as diverse as patch reef, mangrove, sea grass, and deep reef

Habitat generalists Four feet to more than 750+ feet

Reef environments in the Caribbean are already under stress and biodiversity is low

Probable impacts include: Reduction of forage fish biomass

leading to an increase in algal growth Risk of competition with native reef

fish Parasite loads due to consumption of

cleaner fish


Are there any predators for the lionfish in Caribbean and Atlantic waters?

Not well documented Grouper? Spotted moray? Snappers?

PresenterPresentation NotesHabitat: Much more diversified than the native range, and much deeperinclude reef walls, patch reefs, rocky areas, hard bottom with ledges and crevices, mangrove creeks, isolated coral heads, blue holes, ship wrecks, man-made structures, and various debris collections

Predators: Lionfish spines are venomous and can kill other fish if stung, a compelling reason for fish to avoid eating them. Grouper-lionfish were found in the stomachs of groupers in the wild but it is uncertain whether they were eaten alive or in what frequency. In laboratory studies, groupers avoided juvenile lionfish even when starved, suggesting that their venom defense may deter predators. Spotted Moray, Snapper and now Queen Triggerfish- unverified observations at this time

Environmental Impacts: Stress that lionfish can be devastating to the reefs in the Caribbean for two reasons: (1) reefs here are already heavily stressed (coral bleaching, fishing pressure, pollution, global climate change and disruptive algal growth) and (2) marine biodiversity is relatively low (especially when compared to some areas in the Pacific). IMPACTS: -Forage fish biomass reduction: Lionfish have been shown to significantly reduce the net recruitment of coral reef fish by an estimated 80% on small reef systems and we know many of the fish they are eating are algae eaters. -Competition- this has already been discussed, but remember they compete with other apex predators on many levels; by eating the juveniles, by eating the same fish they eat, and by reaching sexual maturity sooner.

What are the economic benefits for removing lionfish from Caribbean and Atlantic waters?

Socio-economic motivation to get lionfish out of the water: Impacts on commercial

fisheries Impacts on the aquarium trade Impacts on coastal tourism

industries

Uses of lionfish: Lionfish meat is non-toxic,

mild, and firm, which makes them appealing to eat

Lionfish venom may be promising for cancer research


LIONFISH ERADICATION

Because of their extensive geographical range, diversity of habitat, and the extreme depths they occupy, it is highly unlikely that the lionfish invasion can be reversed. Control efforts, such as the elimination techniques learned in this workshop, can limit the

impacts on local reef communities.

Elimination Techniques

Why do we need to learn elimination techniques? What are the three most common ways to help in elimination efforts?

SightingSight and report

a lionfish for future removal

CollectingLionfish are caught and

brought out of the water

SpearingUse a spear to

obtain a lionfish

Passive Active

Sighting Lionfish

Most important type of elimination Always keep your eyes open for

lionfish when swimming, snorkeling or diving

Look under ledges, into holes in reef, etc.

Use environmental awareness Keep your distance Dont harass lionfish- if provoked

often, lionfish will become skittish and hard to eliminate in the future

Report all sighted and marked lionfish to local organizations (DMRF or IMA)


Collecting LionfishLionfish collection generally refers to collecting live specimens in a collection bag, but lionfish collection may also occur after a lionfish is deceased (such as when spearing).

Collection is a good choice when spearing is not legal (such as in the Buccoo Reef Marine Park). A minimum of two divers should be used for underwater collection exercises


Techniques:Use proper equipment, buddy contact and environmental awarenessUse object to move lionfish into an open areaUse hand nets to catch the fish, or an object to corral the lionfishCarefully move the lionfish into the bag and seal it shut- follow procedures for the specific bag you have Continue to use cautionUpon surfacing, take to local research center (DRMF or IMA) or enjoy as a meal.

Equipment:Puncture proof glovesTool to help move fishNylon mesh netsCollection bagMarkerFirst aid / hot waterShears or pliersCollection data sheets

Hazards:Close proximity to spinesSpines still venomous after deceasedDistraction from safe diving habits

Collecting Lionfish (video)Elimination Techniques

Spearing LionfishElimination Techniques

General Techniques:Follow local laws and regulationsKeep protective cover on, dont point at anybodyCock spear prior to advancing on lionfishMaintain good buoyancy control before approach lionfish Approach slowly, get close (closer), release tensionUse EXTREME caution when removing from spearCarefully move lionfish into collecting bagOn the surface, carefully place lionfish in cooler with ice take to or call your local research centre [DMRF or IMA]

Equipment:Puncture proof glovesSpear and accessoriesCollection bagMarkerShears or pliersFirst aid/ hot waterCollection data sheets

Hazards:Close proximity to spinesSpines still venomous after deceasedDistraction from safe diving habits

Spearing Lionfish (video)Elimination Techniques

Potentially grave socio-economic impacts (fisheries)

Coral reefs already stressed by climate change, pollution, disease, over-fishing, sedimentation, and other stressors may become completely devastated as lionfish colonize more territory in the Caribbean.

Scientists have concluded that the lionfish populations will continue to grow and cannot be totally eliminated using conventional methods. Due to their extensive geographical range, diversity of habitats and the depths they occupy, any major regional attempts to eradicate existing lionfish populations would be impractical.

ConclusionsWhat conclusions can be made about invasive lionfish in the

Caribbean?

Some useful websites include:

INVASIVE LIONFSISH A Guide to control and Managementhttp://lionfish.gcfi.org/manual/

Florida Museum of Natural History Ichthyology Department general information on red lionfish: http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/fish/gallery/descript/redlionfish/rlionfish.html

Various lionfish articles by NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration):http://search.usa.gov/search?affiliate=noaa.gov&query=lionfish

Information from the NOAAs Coral Reef Information Systems January 2010 general assembly of the International Coral Reef Initiative:

http://coris.noaa.gov/exchanges/lionfish/

To view USGS (US geological survey) lionfish distribution maps:http://nas.er.usgs.gov/taxgroup/fish/lionfishdistribution.aspx

Lionfish fact sheet by USGS:http://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.aspx?speciesID=963

Lionfish tissue repository:http://lionfish-invasion.blogspot.com/

Conclusions

What references and websites can you refer to in the future?

Who do you call?

In Tobago Department of Marine Resources and Fisheries

639-4446/4354

In Trinidad Institute of Marine Affairs 634-4291/4 ext.

2406 Fisheries Division 623-6028; 623-8542

Lionfish Awareness and Capture WorkshopGoals and objectives Slide Number 3Look-a-likesLook-a-likesLook-a-likesLook-a-likesLook-a-likesSlide Number 9Slide Number 10Slide Number 11Slide Number 12Slide Number 13Slide Number 14Slide Number 15Slide Number 16Slide Number 17Slide Number 18Slide Number 19Lionfish eradicationSlide Number 21Slide Number 22Slide Number 23Slide Number 24Slide Number 25Slide Number 26Slide Number 27Slide Number 28Who do you call?

Lionfish Presentation

Documents

Transcript of Lionfish Presentation