Lionfish (Pterois Spp

question 58

Essay

Lionfish (Pterois spp.) arrived in the Caribbean in the 1980s, most likely as a result of unintentional release. On the island of Bonaire, Municipality of the Netherlands, the lionfish population exploded initially, but over time, appeared to stabilize. Part of the reason for this stabilization was the popularity of spear fishing. As the population of lionfish at shallow depths (5-30 meters) were vastly reduced by spear fishing, the popularity of hunting lionfish declined. Over time, the lionfish recovered and spearfishing recommenced. Another possible reason for the lionfish population's decline is an emerging ulcerative skin disease. Use this story of Bonaire to discuss the following types of observed patterns of population growth: exponential growth, logistic growth, and regular population cycles.