SEMINAR: SEMINAR MBF 602 - Dominique Lazarre - Friday 2-11-11, 1 pm S/A 103

["Dominique Lazarre" <dlazarre@rsmas.miami.edu>]

Invasive Lionfish: Analysis of Sighting Records

The invasion of two Indo-Pacific lionfish, Pterois volitans and Pterois
miles, in the Western Atlantic and Caribbean, may have far reaching
impacts throughout the region.  The increased abundance of lionfish, speed
of range expansion, and wide breadth of prey items has made their presence
particularly unsettling.  Lack of research on this species has left
researchers with knowledge gaps related to how this organism behaves and
interacts within its habitat.  Critical analysis of patterns seen in the
recorded sightings throughout the lionfish invaded range has not been
conducted.  The most comprehensive database of lionfish confirmed
sightings is maintained by the USGS and includes: dates of sightings,
number of fish seen, depth of observation, length of fish, and
geographical position of sightings.  Lionfish sightings have increased
exponentially since 2000 throughout the invaded range, with the majority
of these sightings coming from Florida and the Bahamas.  The exponential
rate of annual increase in the number of sightings is estimated to be 0.45
(0.07).  The exponential increase in the area invaded (number of 1 degree
grids) is 0.39 (0.03). The size structure in Florida is dominated by
individuals less than 200 mm in length while the Bahamas have a more even
spread of fish throughout the size classes seen, 50-400 mm.  Peak
sightings occur in the summer months, specifically July, but a smaller
peak of sightings also occurs in November. These findings will help
establish the specific invasion hypotheses to be tested in my research.  
This will provide much needed information that will both lead to better
control measures for reducing lionfish populations and in the process help
to preserve the integrity of native fish communities.


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



---------------------------------------------------------------------
Seminars and symposia at RSMAS

To unsubscribe, e-mail: seminar-unsubscribe@lists.rsmas.miami.edu
For additional commands, e-mail: seminar-help@lists.rsmas.miami.edu
Post to: seminar@rsmas.miami.edu