Abstract

Lionfish (Pterois volitans/miles) are invasive predators that have become established throughout the western Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and now the Gulf of Mexico. With their voracious appetites, wide habitat distribution, prolific repro-duction, and lack of natural predators, lionfish can cause declines in native reef fish and invertebrate species. Lionfish were first observed in the Gulf of Mexico in 2009, and sighted at Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary (FGBNMS) in 2011. To better understand the effect of lionfish on native reef species, we quantified reef fish abundance, density, and biomass from FGBNMS coral reef long-term monitoring visual fish survey data before the invasion began in 2010 through 2016. We also investigated the diet of FGBNMS lionfish from stomach content analysis, examining prey preferences, sizes, and temporal patterns. While lionfish populations demonstrated different patterns among the three banks of FGBNMS since the invasion began in 2011, we have found no evidence that lionfish have had a negative impact to native species. Ongoing study will help clarify how lionfish may impact FGBNMS native species, making the continuation of long-term monitoring programs vital in the detection and documentation of invasive species and time-sensitive management issues.

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