Volume 74

Changes in invasive lionfish age structure following the emergence of an ulcerative skin disease


Authors
Valek,J; M.Norberg; A. Fogg
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Date: November. 2021


Pages: 246


Event: Proceedings of the Seventy-four Annual Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute


City: Virtual


Country: Virtual

Abstract

In recent years, invasive lionfish (Pterois volitans/miles) populations have spread rapidly throughout the northern Gulf of Mexico (GOM). Their lack of predators and superior life history traits have allowed their populations to increase dramatically since first being detected in the GOM in 2010. An ulcerative skin disease was observed in 2017. Shortly after the outbreak, a 79% decrease in lionfish population densities and more than an 80% decline in recruitment was observed. Although the source of the disease is still unknown, a 50% decline in catch per unit effort following the outbreak suggests the disease was likely a contributing factor to lionfish population declines. The objective of this project is to evaluate how the disease and population decline affected the 2020 lionfish population structure. From May 17-23, 2020, volunteer scuba divers armed with spears, collected 365 lionfish from 26 sites. Total length and sex was determined for each lionfish prior to removing sagittal otoliths. Otoliths will be sectioned (300µm) and age will be estimated by enumerating annuli. Statistical analysis will be performed to evaluate differences in age structure pre- versus post-disease. Results from this study will provide a better understanding of the GOM lionfish population’s response to the ulcerative skin disease, including potential year-class failure following the disease outbreak and age classes that may have been affected. This information will be an important contribution to future studies and management of invasive species.

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