One of the big problems with the advent of global travel, commerce and tourism, has long been the introduction of invasive species.
There are many examples of plants and animals being introduced through either design or by accidental release; inevitably, these species wreak havoc on an ecosystem that never evolved to support, or defend against them.
A perfect example of this is the Lionfish. This striking predator from the Indo-pacific ocean systems has long been a favourite of people who keep aquariums; the problem being that eventually the fish either gets too big to keep, or eats all your other fish.
The Lionfish started showing up off the coast of Florida back in the 90′s and it’s speculated that indeed they were probably pets that were released into the wild. Where they have proved very prolific indeed, and can now be found as far north as the Carolinas.
What makes it worse is that the fish’s spines are neurotoxic, and the local populations of predators don’t have any natural aversion or defence to this invasive species.
I took this particular image in the blue-hole south east of Nassau, the Bahamas.
