Invasive Lionfish in the Atlantic Ocean

Since I was a small child, all I've ever wanted to do was be in the ocean. I've taken classes about marine science since I was really little, and despite my fear of sharks, I always knew I wanted to scuba dive. I began diving when I was 13 years old, and quickly became captivated by everything there was to see. I became dedicated to learning about reef safety and different areas our society can work in to help our oceans flourish. The first time that I heard about the Atlantic Ocean's issue with invasive lionfish was during the summer of 2021. I was scuba diving in the British Virgin Islands with Action Quest, when I saw a lionfish on a Fish ID dive. I looked through the Fish ID book, and the lionfish was not in it. I asked the counselors, and they explained that it was an invasive species, and basic information about the species. Eight months later, I was tasked with making a presentation on a "biology related" topic of choice, for my Intensive Biology class in school, and I chose to research invasive lionfish.  Upon learning more about lionfish,  I immediately knew I wanted to get involved in a hands-on way. 

Lionfish are a species of fish that have 18 venomous spines. They are native to the South Pacific and Indian Ocean, but have become invasive in North and South America’s east coast. They play a crucial role in the issue of climate change and are furthering the issues of our dying ocean. This invasive species is endangering other aquatic animals in the Atlantic and furthering the coral damage issues. Eradicating this problem is fundamental to save our planet. 

According to the National Wildlife Foundation, “An invasive species can be any kind of living organism… that is not native to an ecosystem and causes harm. They can harm the environment, the economy, or even human health. Species that grow and reproduce quickly, and spread aggressively, with potential to cause harm, are given the label “invasive."