Something of actual relevance to divers in the SE (southeast US).  (Sorry,
I know this is against internet "lurker" protocol of posting more than once
in the same month - let alone the same day.)
-Mark B.
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LIONFISH OBSERVED OFF NORTH CAROLINA
Divers and fishers alert: Non-native Lionfish are beautiful but have
venomous spines
Research efforts have begun by the Department of Commerce's National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to determine the number and
range of a venomous Pacific Ocean fish that was recently discovered in the
waters off the southern Atlantic coast.
Research divers from NOAA's Laboratory in Beaufort, N.C., have observed an
Indo-Pacific species of lionfish near two shipwrecks off the coast of North
Carolina. Local divers were the first to spot the species and have
observed lionfish at additional sites. Officials are concerned because the
lionfish is not a native species to the southeastern United States, and its
venomous spines are dangerous to humans and other fish.
One lionfish was collected by a recreational scuba diver, and scientists at
the Beaufort Laboratory sent the specimen to a lionfish expert for positive
identification. The species is Pterois volitans, a popular salt water
aquarium fish. The number of observations and distance between sightings
suggest that more lionfish may be found off the coast and that lionfish may
have been able to survive the winter water temperatures.
"Now that scientists have positively identified the species, we need to
determine the distribution of lionfish along the southeastern United
States," said Bill Hogarth, director of the National Marine Fisheries
Service (NOAA Fisheries).
"We are also concerned that scuba divers and fishers may encounter this
species in North Carolina or elsewhere along the southeast coast, and we
want to get the word out about their venomous spines," said Margaret
Davidson, director of NOAA's National Ocean Service (NOAA Ocean Service).
The dorsal, anal and pelvic spines of the lionfish are venomous.
NOAA Fisheries and NOAA Ocean Service are developing and implementing a
plan for the research that is needed in order to define the distribution of
lionfish along the southeastern coast of the United States and to determine
if they are reproducing.
Beaufort Laboratory scientists will conduct the research utilizing several
types of studies to determine the extent, range, and population of fish
species. Research will focus on age and growth of the species along with
their food habits. Field studies are conducted to document changes in
species composition and abundance. Divers will also be utilized as
necessary to assess current fish communities as part of their regular
surveys. Once this information is gathered, officials will be able to
ascertain what steps, if any, may be necessary to halt the spread of this
species.
Scuba divers can help with the NOAA research effort by reporting lionfish
sightings to Dr. Donald Hoss, Director, NOAA Beaufort Laboratory; 101
Pivers Island Rd. Beaufort, NC 28516-9722; phone: (252) 728-8746; fax:
(252) 728-8784; email: [log in to unmask] Please be prepared to provide
coordinates of where the lionfish was found and at what depth. If possible,
a photograph should accompany the above information.
A fact sheet containing a photo of a lionfish is available on the Internet
at: http://shrimp.bea.nmfs.gov/research/lionfish_factsheet.pdf.