Invasive Species
Plants and animals introduced into coastal habitats from other areas can have detrimental effects on the pre-existing ecosystem. Such invasive species can, if they can establish themselves, prey upon or displace resident organisms, alter the function of the ecosystem, and reduce its stability, sustainability, and economic utility.
Anticipating the ability of these invaders to establish themselves and predicting their effects if established provides coastal managers a better opportunity to design sentinel monitoring programs, establish preventive and mitigative measures, and plan for their expected effects along our coasts.
CCFHR has been studying invasive species along the Atlantic coast of the U.S.
The Indo-Pacific lionfish, Pterois volitans, has only recently been observed along the coast from Florida to as far north as Long Island Sound, New York. It is capable of venomous stings to divers and others using these waters. In its home in the western tropical Pacific and Indian oceans it is an aggressive predator. Along our coasts it could compete with important native reef fish species.
This species is thought to have been released via the aquarium fish trade. Because juveniles have been found it is thought that they are reproducing in western Atlantic waters. Its tolerance to different temperatures that might limit its geographic range has been determined by CCFHR researchers. Efforts to spawn the lionfish in the laboratory are underway, and models are being developed to forecast its reproductive potential and possible range limits.
An invasive colonial tunicate has steadily increased in New England waters and poses a threat to native species such sea scallops. Learn more.
CCFHR is partnering with the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary to develop a model for early detection and rapid response to non-native fish introductions in the National Marine Sanctuaries. Learn more.