scholarly journals Estimating the number of lionfish (Pterois volitans) that colonized the Atlantic Ocean

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jason D Selwyn ◽  
John E Johnson ◽  
Alan M Downey-Wall ◽  
Adam M Bynum ◽  
Rebecca M Hamner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atlantic Ocean ◽  
Gulf Of Mexico ◽  
Control Region ◽  
Mitochondrial Control Region ◽  
Aquarium Trade ◽  
Allee Effects ◽  
Pterois Volitans ◽  
Western Atlantic ◽  
Introduction Pathway ◽  
The Caribbean

The invasion of the western Atlantic Ocean by the Indo-Pacific red lionfish (Pterois volitans) has had devastating consequences for marine ecosystems. Estimating the number of colonizing lionfish can be useful in identifying the introduction pathway and can inform policy decisions aimed at preventing similar invasions. It is well-established that at least ten lionfish were initially introduced. However, that estimate has not faced statistical scrutiny and is based solely on the number of haplotypes in the maternally-inherited mitochondrial control region observed in samples from the western Atlantic Ocean. To rigorously estimate the number of lionfish introduced, we used a forward-time, Wright-Fisher, population genetic model of the mitochondrial control region in concert with a demographic life-history model to simulate the invasion. The colonization of the western North Atlantic and subsequent spread to the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico were modeled as single introductions of 1-800 females, which should conservatively estimate the most likely number of colonizing lionfish relative to a model with multiple introductions. Assuming a balanced sex ratio and no Allee effects, the simulations indicate that the Atlantic population was most likely founded by 118 (54-514, 95% HPD) lionfish from the Indo-Pacific, the Caribbean by 84 (22-328, 95% HPD) lionfish from the Atlantic, and the Gulf of Mexico by at least 114 (no upper bound on 95% HPD) lionfish from the Caribbean. Considering the additional possibilities that (1) multiple Indo-Pacific populations colonized the Atlantic and (2) Allee effects (e.g. 50% reduction in fecundity) plagued the colonists, the most likely number of lionfish increased to 180 (88-416, 95% HPD). These results, in combination with all other published data, support the hypothesis that lionfish were introduced to the Atlantic via the aquarium trade, rather than shipping. The most parsimonious introduction pathway is a single release of lionfish in one location, but it seems likely that a combination of smaller and larger releases from a variety of aquarium trade stakeholders occurred near Miami, Florida. Efforts to prevent future invasions via the aquarium trade should focus on the education of stakeholders and the prohibition of release, with adequate rewards for compliance and penalties for violations.

scholarly journals Estimating the number of lionfish (Pterois volitans) that colonized the Atlantic Ocean

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jason D Selwyn ◽  
John E Johnson ◽  
Alan M Downey-Wall ◽  
Adam M Bynum ◽  
Rebecca M Hamner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atlantic Ocean ◽  
Gulf Of Mexico ◽  
Control Region ◽  
Mitochondrial Control Region ◽  
Aquarium Trade ◽  
Allee Effects ◽  
Pterois Volitans ◽  
Western Atlantic ◽  
Introduction Pathway ◽  
The Caribbean

The invasion of the western Atlantic Ocean by the Indo-Pacific red lionfish (Pterois volitans) has had devastating consequences for marine ecosystems. Estimating the number of colonizing lionfish can be useful in identifying the introduction pathway and can inform policy decisions aimed at preventing similar invasions. It is well-established that at least ten lionfish were initially introduced. However, that estimate has not faced statistical scrutiny and is based solely on the number of haplotypes in the maternally-inherited mitochondrial control region observed in samples from the western Atlantic Ocean. To rigorously estimate the number of lionfish introduced, we used a forward-time, Wright-Fisher, population genetic model of the mitochondrial control region in concert with a demographic life-history model to simulate the invasion. The colonization of the western North Atlantic and subsequent spread to the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico were modeled as single introductions of 1-800 females, which should conservatively estimate the most likely number of colonizing lionfish relative to a model with multiple introductions. Assuming a balanced sex ratio and no Allee effects, the simulations indicate that the Atlantic population was most likely founded by 118 (54-514, 95% HPD) lionfish from the Indo-Pacific, the Caribbean by 84 (22-328, 95% HPD) lionfish from the Atlantic, and the Gulf of Mexico by at least 114 (no upper bound on 95% HPD) lionfish from the Caribbean. Considering the additional possibilities that (1) multiple Indo-Pacific populations colonized the Atlantic and (2) Allee effects (e.g. 50% reduction in fecundity) plagued the colonists, the most likely number of lionfish increased to 180 (88-416, 95% HPD). These results, in combination with all other published data, support the hypothesis that lionfish were introduced to the Atlantic via the aquarium trade, rather than shipping. The most parsimonious introduction pathway is a single release of lionfish in one location, but it seems likely that a combination of smaller and larger releases from a variety of aquarium trade stakeholders occurred near Miami, Florida. Efforts to prevent future invasions via the aquarium trade should focus on the education of stakeholders and the prohibition of release, with adequate rewards for compliance and penalties for violations.

scholarly journals Simulations indicate that scores of lionfish (Pterois volitans) colonized the Atlantic Ocean

PeerJ ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. e3996 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jason D. Selwyn ◽  
John E. Johnson ◽  
Alan M. Downey-Wall ◽  
Adam M. Bynum ◽  
Rebecca M. Hamner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atlantic Ocean ◽  
Genetic Model ◽  
Published Data ◽  
Aquarium Trade ◽  
Source Population ◽  
Allee Effects ◽  
Pterois Volitans ◽  
Western Atlantic ◽  
Introduction Pathway ◽  
The Caribbean

The invasion of the western Atlantic Ocean by the Indo-Pacific red lionfish (Pterois volitans) has had devastating consequences for marine ecosystems. Estimating the number of colonizing lionfish can be useful in identifying the introduction pathway and can inform policy decisions aimed at preventing similar invasions. It is well-established that at least ten lionfish were initially introduced. However, that estimate has not faced probabilistic scrutiny and is based solely on the number of haplotypes in the maternally-inherited mitochondrial control region. To rigorously estimate the number of lionfish that were introduced, we used a forward-time, Wright-Fisher, population genetic model in concert with a demographic, life-history model to simulate the invasion across a range of source population sizes and colonizing population fecundities. Assuming a balanced sex ratio and no Allee effects, the simulations indicate that the Atlantic population was founded by 118 (54–514, 95% HPD) lionfish from the Indo-Pacific, the Caribbean by 84 (22–328, 95% HPD) lionfish from the Atlantic, and the Gulf of Mexico by at least 114 (no upper bound on 95% HPD) lionfish from the Caribbean. Increasing the size, and therefore diversity, of the Indo-Pacific source population and fecundity of the founding population caused the number of colonists to decrease, but with rapidly diminishing returns. When the simulation was parameterized to minimize the number of colonists (highθand relative fecundity), 96 (48–216, 95% HPD) colonists were most likely. In a more realistic scenario with Allee effects (e.g., 50% reduction in fecundity) plaguing the colonists, the most likely number of lionfish increased to 272 (106–950, 95% HPD). These results, in combination with other published data, support the hypothesis that lionfish were introduced to the Atlantic via the aquarium trade, rather than shipping. When building the model employed here, we made assumptions that minimize the number of colonists, such as the lionfish being introduced in a single event. While we conservatively modelled the introduction pathway as a single release of lionfish in one location, it is more likely that a combination of smaller and larger releases from a variety of aquarium trade stakeholders occurred near Miami, Florida, which could have led to even larger numbers of colonists than simulated here. Efforts to prevent future invasions via the aquarium trade should focus on the education of stakeholders and the prohibition of release, with adequate rewards for compliance and penalties for violations.

scholarly journals Oldest Indo-Pacific Lionfish (Pterois volitans/P. miles) Recorded From the Northwestern Gulf of Mexico

2021 ◽  
Vol 32 ◽  
pp. GCFI1-GCFI4
Author(s):  
Raven Blakeway ◽  
Alexander Fogg ◽  
Glenn Jones
Keyword(s):  
Atlantic Ocean ◽  
Gulf Of Mexico ◽  
Protected Area ◽  
Caribbean Sea ◽  
Age And Growth ◽  
Birth Date ◽  
Pterois Volitans ◽  
Western Atlantic ◽  
Negative Impacts ◽  
Growth Estimation

Indo-Pacific lionfish (Pterois volitans/miles) were first detected off the coast of Florida in the 1980s, with aquaria release being the most likely mechanism for introduction. Since then, lionfish have proliferated through the Western Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico (GOM). Here, we report the oldest lionfish aged on record in the Western Atlantic, removed from Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary (FGBNMS) in the GOM. In August 2018, a research expedition removed 745 lionfish from FGBNMS, of which a subset were retained for age and growth estimation. The oldest lionfish was a 10 y old male, with total length 375 mm and weight 805 g. The back-calculated birth date (2008) preceded the first observation of lionfish at FGBNMS by 3 years (2011). It is not well understood if lionfish are having negative impacts at FGBNMS, but this report signifies the importance of continued monitoring and removal efforts of this protected area.

scholarly journals Back to the Source: Lionfish Imported into the United States via the Ornamental Aquarium Trade

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 23 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samantha D. Farquhar
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Los Angeles ◽  
Trade Flow ◽  
The United States ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Aquarium Trade ◽  
Pterois Volitans ◽  
Western Atlantic ◽  
Pterois Miles ◽  
Native Populations

Lionfish (Pterois miles and Pterois volitans) are known for their invasive success in the western Atlantic and Caribbean. With few marine fish invasions of similar magnitude being documented, the introduction of lionfish in this area has been deemed one of the fastest and most ecologically harmful introductions to date. Furthermore, this invasion is thought to be caused by negligent aquarists who released ornamental lionfish off the coast of Florida in 1985. Interestingly, lionfish are rare in abundance throughout their native waters of the Indo-Pacific and factors controlling lionfish’s native populations are little studied and not clearly defined. Through the analysis of the Marine Aquarium Biodiversity and Trade Flow database for the years 2008, 2009, and 2011, it was determined that approximately 137,723 lionfish were exported to the United States with Los Angeles, CA being the most popular point of entry. Of this total, 45.5% originated from the Philippines, 27.7% from Indonesia, and 14.5% from Kenya. Pterois volitans was exported from 15 different countries and on average 19 times more than Pterois miles which was exported only from three countries. This paper questions: 1) if the ornamental aquarium trade is affecting lionfish’s native populations and 2) if the lionfish imports could be leading to more introductions in non-native waters. Ultimately, this paper acts as a short communication identifying a need for further research and attention towards this 

New species of Pseudonereis Kinberg, 1865 (Polychaeta: Nereididae) from the Atlantic Ocean, and a review of paragnath morphology and methodology

Zootaxa ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 4471 (2) ◽  
pp. 245 ◽  
Author(s):  
VÍCTOR M. CONDE-VELA
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Atlantic Ocean ◽  
Gulf Of Mexico ◽  
Caribbean Sea ◽  
Distinct Species ◽  
Eastern Pacific ◽  
Type Locality ◽  
Gulf Of Guinea ◽  
Undescribed Species ◽  
The Caribbean

Pseudonereis gallapagensis Kinberg, 1865 and P. variegata (Grube & Kröyer in Grube, 1858) are the only two species of this genus commonly recorded along Atlantic American coasts, but their type localities are in the Eastern Pacific, and their morphology differs. Two new Pseudonereis species are described from Eastern Mexico: P. brunnea sp. n. from the Gulf of Mexico, and P. citrina sp. n. from the Caribbean Sea, previously confused with P. gallapagensis. In order to facilitate comparisons, descriptions based on specimens from near the type locality for P. gallapagensis (Peru and Ecuador), and topotypes for P. variegata (Valparaiso, Chile), are included. Based on these comparisons and current descriptions, the synonymies of Nereis ferox Hansen, 1882 described from Brazil with P. variegata, and of Pseudonereis formosa Kinberg, 1865 described from Hawaii with P. gallapagensis, are rejected. Consequently, both are regarded as distinct species and revised diagnoses are provided for them. The record of P. ferox from the Gulf of Guinea proved to be an undescribed species, and is herein described as P. fauveli sp. n. The number of paragnath rows in nereidid pharynx areas VII–VIII has been interpreted in several ways, leading to confusion; an alternative method to determine the number of bands and rows is proposed. The midventral region, the division of areas VII–VIII in furrow and ridge regions, and the description of the arrangement based on the pattern of paragnaths in such regions, are proposed. Further, the terms shield-shaped and pointed (P-bars) bars are redefined, and a new term, crescent-shaped bars, is proposed for paragnaths in the areas VI in some Pseudonereis and Perinereis species. A key for all Pseudonereis species is also included. 

Age and growth of the great hammerhead shark, Sphyrna mokarran, in the north-western Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico

2010 ◽  
Vol 61 (9) ◽  
pp. 992 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew N. Piercy ◽  
John K. Carlson ◽  
Michelle S. Passerotti
Keyword(s):  
Atlantic Ocean ◽  
Gulf Of Mexico ◽  
Biological Data ◽  
Age And Growth ◽  
Von Bertalanffy ◽  
Western Atlantic ◽  
K Value ◽  
Hammerhead Shark ◽  
Western Atlantic Ocean ◽  
North Western

The great hammerhead shark, Sphyrna mokarran, is a cosmopolitan species that is caught in a variety of fisheries throughout much of its range. The apparent decline of great hammerhead shark populations has reinforced the need for accurate biological data to enhance fishery management plans. To this end, age and growth estimates for the great hammerhead were determined from sharks (n = 216) ranging in size from 54- to 315-cm fork length (FL), captured in the Gulf of Mexico and north-western Atlantic Ocean. Growth curves were fitted using multiple models and evaluated using Akaike’s information criterion. The von Bertalanffy growth model was the best fitting model, with resulting growth parameters of L∞ = 264.2-cm FL, k = 0.16 year–1, t0 = –1.99 year for males, and L∞ = 307.8-cm FL, k = 0.11 year–1, t0 = –2.86 year for females. Annual band pair deposition was confirmed through marginal-increment analysis and a concurrent bomb radiocarbon validation study. Great hammerheads have one of the oldest reported ages for any elasmobranch (44 years) but grow at relatively similar rates (on the basis of von Bertalanffy k value) to other large hammerhead species from this region. The present study is the first to provide vertebral ages for great hammerheads.

scholarly journals A new species of the remarkable brittle star genus Astrophiura (Echinodermata: Ophiuroidea) from the western Atlantic Ocean

Zootaxa ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 4378 (2) ◽  
pp. 257 ◽  
Author(s):  
DAVID L. PAWSON
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Atlantic Ocean ◽  
Gulf Of Mexico ◽  
Dorsal Surface ◽  
Western Atlantic ◽  
Disc Diameter ◽  
Southern Caribbean ◽  
Bright Orange ◽  
A New Species

Astrophiura caroleae, new species, is described from off Curacao in the southern Caribbean, and from the western Gulf of Mexico, in depths of 244 to 434 meters. This new species, the first in the genus Astrophiura to be described from the Atlantic Ocean, has a distinctive combination of characters, including regularly arranged primary plates, large radial shields whose radial edges are in contact for their entire visible length, and prominent tubercles on central and radial plates. The mottled reddish coloration of the dorsal surface of this species usually contrasts with the color of the substratum, rendering it readily visible in situ, despite its disc diameter of less than 10 mm. Like its congeners, A. caroleae is gonochoric, the gonads of females containing conspicuous masses of bright orange eggs that are approximately 165 µm in diameter. DNA Barcoding data are provided for this new species, these are the first for Astrophiura. 

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