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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. Bernal Department of Biology, UM. The Problem:. Since the mid 2000s there has been an observed lionfish proliferation throughout the Bahamian archipelago.

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

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  1. Tracking the Spread of Indo-Pacific Lionfish(Pteroisvolitans) Through the Bahamas Nicholas A. Bernal Department of Biology, UM

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. Questions?

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