Times of the Islands Fall 2021

green pages newsletter of the department of environment & coastal resources
BEN FARMER
Lionfish are one of many human-caused introductions of invasive
species. The new reality for many Caribbean reefs is that lionfish are
there to stay.
Long-term research by SFS suggests that lionfish
populations are decreasing on some South Caicos sites,
which is likely due to culling efforts. However, these sites
do not represent the lionfish population throughout the
entirety of the TCI, and it is important to stay vigilant and
continue monitoring. Dr. Claydon has a few thoughts on
this as well:
Q: The new reality for many Caribbean reefs is that lionfish
are there to stay, even accounting for culling efforts.
What would you recommend as a long-term response to
the issue?
JC: Localised areas of reef will benefit from regular culling,
and this will be important for particularly vulnerable
sites, but we are not going to get rid of lionfish completely.
The lionfish invasion has helped to promote a
better understanding of the value of coral reefs to people
of the wider Caribbean region. We can keep using the
lionfish issue to raise awareness and help protect coral
reefs in other ways.
You can help support the Turks & Caicos Reef Fund
lionfish project by submitting any lionfish sightings here:
(https://www.tcreef.org/projects). a
For additional information about The School for Field
Studies, visit www.fieldstudies.org or contact us on
South Caicos at hhertler@fieldstudies.org.
Times of the Islands Fall 2021 41