Non-native marine fishes in Florida: Updated checklist, population status and early detection/rapid response

Schofield, P., & Akins, L. (2019). Non-native marine fishes in Florida: updated checklist, population status and early detection/rapid response. BioInvasions Records, 8(4), 898–910. https://doi.org/10.3391/bir.2019.8.4.18. PDF.

Summary

Managing Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) in marine communities presents a particular set of challenges for coastal states in the United States. The author focuses on 2018 Florida coastal reports of 41 non-native marine species identified on both the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico borders by citizens, scientists, the US Geological Nonindigenous Aquatic Database (NAS), natural resource managers, biologists, trained fishermen, and independent fishery agencies. The taxa are defined and divided into the following categories: 1) Established, 2) Eradicated, 3) Failed, and 4) Unknown. Lionfish (Pterois volitans/miles) are the most widespread out of five established species. Blotched foxface (Siganus unimaculatus) and chocolate surgeonfish (Acanthurus pyroferus) are classified as eradicated, and these species are two of the three removed by the author’s Early-detection/Rapid-response program. Orangespine unicornfish (Naso lituratus) and lagoon triggerfish (Rhinecanthus aculeatus) were last sighted more than ten years ago and are included in the sixteen failed species counted. Lastly, seventeen species, including orbicular batfish (Platax orbicularis) and semicircle angelfish (Pomacanthus semicirculatus), have an unknown status.   

Take home points

  • During research/removal efforts scientists face challenges such as limits to marina access, incorrect species classification due to cross-breeding, and unknown pathways of entry.

  • Research on ballast water, natural range of migration, and stages of aquarium release may be key areas to focus educational resources on.

  • Disregarding the removal of a single invasive can result in a missed window of opportunity to remove and eradicate.

Management implications

  • Citizen scientist educational programs can assist with the early detection of AIS.

  • The USGS NAS database provides scientists with a centralized location to report/ exchange data.

  • Monitoring programs may be more cost-effective than biocontrol methods for established species.

Keywords

Aquatic Invasive Species; marine species; introduction pathways