tracking the spread of indo-pacific lionfish ( pterois volitans ) through the bahamas

Tracking the Spread of Indo-Pacific Lionfish(Pterois volitans)

Through the Bahamas

Nicholas A. BernalDepartment of Biology, UM

The Problem:Since the mid 2000s there has been an

observed lionfish proliferation throughout the Bahamian archipelago.

It is unclear as to the origin(s) of this introduction and how these invasive species are spreading throughout the Caribbean region.

Scientists are unsure of the long term impact of lionfish on fragile reef ecosystems.

Research Experience:• Currently working with Dr.

Kathleen Sullivan Sealey (UM) and faculty at the College of the Bahamas (COB) to help in long‐term environmental research, monitoring and information management.

• At this point, due to the overall lack of data on the species, a majority of our efforts are concentrated on collecting specimens throughout the Bahamas.

• Data from these lionfish is helping us to better understand the feeding behavior, reproductive biology, and cell energetics of lionfish in the Caribbean.

Long Term Goals:Determine how feeding behavior changes

throughout different stages in the lionfish life cycle in the Caribbean.

Use genetic materials collected from specimens to study interrelatedness between “independent” populations throughout the Bahamas. This may lead to better understanding as to the origin(s) of the introduction.

Compare growth rates and proliferation between Caribbean and Indo-Pacific populations.

Questions?