Abstract

Biological invasions include both human and non-human mediated forms of dispersal in which an exotic or non-native species successfully arrives, survives and reproduces in a novel locality and then proliferates and spreads throughout a region (Carlton, 1989). The recent invasion of the Indo-Pacific lionfish (Pterois volitans) throughout the western Atlantic Ocean, including The Bahamas, is generally considered to be the result of several species introductions associated with both the intentional and unintentional release of specimens from private aquariums. Small Island Developing States (SIDS) like The Bahamas are particularly vulnerable to bioinvasions due to our: 1) import-driven economy; 2) heavy reliance on tourism; and, 3) biological fragility inherent in island ecosystems. A review of the pattern of invasion by habitat, island group and size distribution is presented from recent surveys throughout the archipelago.

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