SEMINAR: MBF 602 Seminar-Dominique Lazarre February 12th, 2010 4:00pm S/A seminar room

[Cary Rios <crios@rsmas.miami.edu>]

Analysis of Lionfish Invasion: A Model of Species Range Extension

The invasion of the Indo-Pacific lionfish, Pterois volitans/miles complex, in the Western Atlantic and Caribbean, could potentially have ecological impacts throughout the region.  The increased abundance of lionfish, speed of range expansion and voracious appetite of the lionfish has made their presence particularly threatening.  Pterois volitans/miles have not been well studied in their native Pacific habitat, making their invasion of the Atlantic difficult to study.  Current research efforts have focused mainly on genetically characterizing their populations, determination of feeding and hunting behavior, identification of possible predators, and investigations of their impact fish recruitment to reefs.  Genetic analysis has shown that the haplotypes of individuals found in this region, match the most common haplotypes of individuals found in parts of the Indo-Pacific where the majority of Pterois sp. are collected for the aquarium trade.  This analysis fortifies the theory of aquaria releases as the most probable vector of invasion.  Furthermore, the short movement range of adult lionfish suggests that geographical expansion has likely mediated the colonization of new areas through the larval phase.  Modeling of lionfish larval transport can help test hypotheses about the possible patterns of propagation throughout their invaded region.  Learning more about the rapid spread of lionfish larvae could not only elucidate possible chokepoints, sources and sinks in their populations, but may lead to more information about transport corridors available to native larvae.  Additionally, by providing an understanding of the mechanisms which determine population connectivity, these studies can increase the effectiveness of eradication efforts and management schemes designed to control the present population and prevent further range expansion.

 

 

Dominique Lazarre

B.S. Marine Science (Biology)

B.S. Environmental Studies

Eckerd College, St. Petersburg, FL (2006)

Entered MBF: Fall 2008

Advisor – Dr. David Die

Cary Rios 
Office of the Dean
University of Miami
Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science

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