Abstract

The invasion of the Indo-Pacific lionfish to Bahamian waters raises considerable concern due to the uncertainty of its ecological impacts and its potential threats to commercial fisheries and human safety. Lionfish have been reported throughout the archipelago and are the focus of several research and monitoring initiatives. The Bahamas has a National Invasive Species Strategy, but marine invasions require unique partnerships for small islands developing states to develop realistic management goals and actions. The Government of The Bahamas has limited funds to address major resource management issues; hence, collaboration with non-governmental agencies and tertiary education institutions is imperative. The establishment and spread of lionfish has created a novel opportunity for the formation of innovative public-private partnerships to address the ecological, economic and social impacts of biological invasions.

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