Persuasive Essay On Lionfish

In the last 30 years since the lionfish first appeared in the Atlantic Ocean, they have become a destructive nuisance. The lionfish species which are native to the Pacific Rim and Indian Oceans are now invading the Atlantic and Caribbean Oceans, eating any fish that can fit into it's mouth. Scientists don’t believe the invasion will ever be completely eradicated, however if the problem is recognized there are steps that can be taken to try and contain this invasion at a manageable level. Through education, fishing or hunting of the species and by teaching other species to eat the lionfish, there is hope humans can gain control over these invasive creatures.
The lionfish not only grow at an alarming rate, but they are able to reproduce at an alarming rate in non-native oceans. An adult lionfish will grow between 12-15 inches in length in their native habitat, but have reported to grow at an alarming rate and have been caught at 18 inches and all the way up to 20 inches off the coast of Florida. This species re-produces so quickly due to the fact that the female lionfish will produce to gelatinous egg packets of 12,000 to 15,000 eggs a piece. These eggs packets will break apart and drift in the current, allowing these eggs to spread apart extremely quickly. These egg masses can float and drift apart for about 25 days before tiny microscopic lionfish larvae are born (Lionfish – Pterois volitans). These larvae will reach full maturity in less than a year, allowing them to reproduce and keep the cycle of the invasion going. In warmer climate waters such as the Atlantic and Caribbean ocean a lionfish is able to spawn every four days (Lionfish – Pterois volitans). Since the nutrient rich waters of these oceans allow the lionfish to n...

... middle of paper ...

...ar completely gaining control over the problem or solving it.
Humans are just starting to understand exactly how this invasion is starting to affect not only our oceans, but the delicate reef life that is held inside them. Some countries throughout the affected are starting to see some promising results with the decrease of lionfish and rejuvenation of reef life. Our oceans are no where near out of the woods yet, and this invasion has not even come anywhere close to the end. This problem is one that humans created and can only be kept in check by human intervention. It's extremely important that everyone is aware not only about the lionfish invasion, but also aware on the destructive consequences that surround it. Through various methods between public education, fishing / hunting removal and working with local predators, our ocean standing a chance of surviving.