Invasive Lionfish

Venomous Indo-Pacific lionfish (Pterois miles and P volitans) are now established along the Southeast U.S.A. and parts of the Caribbean and pose a serious threat to reef fish communities of these regions. Lionfish are likely to invade the Gulf of Mexico and potentially South America in the near future. Introductions of lionfish were noted since the 1980s along south Florida and by 2000 lionfish were established off the coast of North Carolina. Lionfish are now one of the more numerous predatory reef fishes at some locations off the Southeast U.S.A. and Caribbean. Lionfish are largely piscivores that feed occasionally on economically important reef fishes. The trophic impacts of lionfish could alter the structure of native reef fish communities and potentially hamper stock rebuilding efforts of the Snapper-Grouper Complex. Additional effects of the lionfish invasion are far-reaching and could increase coral reef ecosystem stress, threaten human health, and ultimately impact the marine aquarium industry. Control strategies for lionfish are needed to mitigate impacts, especially in protected areas. This book provides a general overview of the biology and ecology of lionfish including genetics, taxonomy, reproductive biology, early life history and dispersal, venom defence and predation, and feeding ecology. In addition, alternative management actions for mitigating the negative impacts of lionfish, approaches for reducing the risk of future invasions, and directions for future research are provided.

This book summarizes what is known about mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCEs) geographically and by major taxa. MCEs are characterized by light-dependent corals and associated communities typically found at depths ranging from 30-40 m. and extending to over 150 m. in tropical and subtropical ecosystems. They are populated with organisms typically associated with shallow coral reefs, such as macroalgae, corals, sponges, and fishes, as well as specialist species unique to mesophotic depths. During the past decade, there has been an increasing scientific and management interest in MCEs expressed by the exponential increase in the number of publications studying this unique environment. Despite their close proximity to well-studied shallow reefs, and the growing evidence of their importance, our scientific knowledge of MCEs is still in its early stages. The topics covered in the book include: regional variation in MCEs; similarities and differences between mesophotic and shallow reef taxa, biotic and abiotic conditions, biodiversity, ecology, geomorphology, and geology; potential connectivity between MCEs and shallow reefs; MCE disturbances, conservation, and management challenges; and new technologies, key research questions/knowledge gaps, priorities, and future directions in MCE research.

This book focuses on the global threats to coastal environments from invasive, non-native species and examines how these alien biological species adversely alter landscapes and socioeconomic conditions as well as the psychological attitudes and perceptions of local inhabitants and tourists. Designed for the professional or specialist in marine science, coastal zone management, biology, and related disciplines, this volume appeals to those not only working directly with invasive flora and fauna species, but also those individuals involved in a wide array of coastal related fields. Examples and case studies of coastal invasive species are drawn from many different geographic areas worldwide, including North and South America, Europe, Oceania, the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, and Africa.

This two-volume set provides a one-stop resource on invasive plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms that are threatening native ecosystems, agriculture, economies, and human health in the United States. Kudzu vine and field bindweed. Eurasian collared-doves, Burmese pythons, and black rats. The northern snakehead and the gypsy moth. All of these are examples of invasive species that have taken over or are threatening certain ecosystems—places where these organisms never naturally occurred. This two-volume work contains 168 entries on plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms that are invasive in the United States, providing a complete examination of the variety of organisms, pathways, distribution patterns, and impacts of non-native species introduced to this country. Encyclopedia of Invasive Species: From Africanized Honey Bees to Zebra Mussels begins with a background essay that illuminates the complexities of dealing with invasive animals and plants. Each entry provides information on the origins and invasion history of the species in question as well as a general description of the biology and ecology of each organism. Impacts—actual and potential, as well as management strategies—are addressed. Every species is depicted via photographs as well as maps that show its place of origin and invaded regions in the United States. This unique work presents fascinating scientific information as well as valuable insights about how seemingly minor events can drastically alter our environment.

This book provides a comprehensive look at the critical role of animal behaviour in the success and impact of biological invasions.

Over the last fifty years, human exploitation of marine resources has become more efficient as the understanding of the habits and behaviour of the various species available in the sea gradually increased. Thus, technologies have developed naturally over time and fishing gears and practices have become more sophisticated. These technical advances in fishing gear have generally led to more efficient economic fishing operations and better access to resources. However, fishing implies the harvesting of marine organisms directly from their natural environment, therefore general awareness of environmental problems due to the exploitation of fishery resources has also increased. In particular, the poor selectivity of some gears is responsible for the capture of juveniles, immature and undersized specimens of many species, with negative consequences on the state of stocks. In addition, bycatch in marine fisheries is a major source of human-caused mortality of marine megafauna, often leading to the capture of vulnerable species. Finally, many bottom-towed gears are responsible for high impacts on bottom communities and habitats, with cascading consequences on the entire marine ecosystem. All these impacts can lead to changes in the structure, function and integrity of ecosystems, including effects on the food webs and multispecies predator-prey relationships.