Modelling the rise of invasive lionfish in the Mediterranean
Modelling the rise of invasive lionfish in the Mediterranean
The spread of the Indo-Pacific lionfish Pterois miles into the Atlantic Ocean represents a well-known example of a successful invasion. Lionfish have successfully invaded the Atlantic, aided by biological traits such as high thermal tolerance, adaptability to various salinities, high fecundity, conspicuous defenses, and generalist feeding habits. The Mediterranean Sea is now experiencing an early-stage lionfish invasion, spreading westward from the eastern Mediterranean, likely through the Suez Canal. Using ecological niche modelling under various climate scenarios, we predict the potential spread of lionfish, identifying regions from low to high habitat suitability. Predictions indicate significant expansion, especially in the eastern and central Mediterranean, under greater warming scenarios. This expansion could lead to substantial declines in native species, decimation of commercially important fish stocks, and trophic cascades, severely impacting local economies and marine biodiversity. Urgent understanding and management of lionfish impacts in the Mediterranean are essential, given their established presence in the western Atlantic and documented ecological consequences.
Mitchell, Emma
82c9830a-6461-4045-8ea5-56a364681044
Almela, Victoria Dominguez
c46c331c-e5ba-4da9-8f58-207a4999e02e
Mitchell, Emma
82c9830a-6461-4045-8ea5-56a364681044
Almela, Victoria Dominguez
c46c331c-e5ba-4da9-8f58-207a4999e02e
Mitchell, Emma and Almela, Victoria Dominguez
(2024)
Modelling the rise of invasive lionfish in the Mediterranean.
Marine Biology.
(doi:10.21203/rs.3.rs-4835003/v1).
(In Press)
Abstract
The spread of the Indo-Pacific lionfish Pterois miles into the Atlantic Ocean represents a well-known example of a successful invasion. Lionfish have successfully invaded the Atlantic, aided by biological traits such as high thermal tolerance, adaptability to various salinities, high fecundity, conspicuous defenses, and generalist feeding habits. The Mediterranean Sea is now experiencing an early-stage lionfish invasion, spreading westward from the eastern Mediterranean, likely through the Suez Canal. Using ecological niche modelling under various climate scenarios, we predict the potential spread of lionfish, identifying regions from low to high habitat suitability. Predictions indicate significant expansion, especially in the eastern and central Mediterranean, under greater warming scenarios. This expansion could lead to substantial declines in native species, decimation of commercially important fish stocks, and trophic cascades, severely impacting local economies and marine biodiversity. Urgent understanding and management of lionfish impacts in the Mediterranean are essential, given their established presence in the western Atlantic and documented ecological consequences.
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Accepted/In Press date: 5 December 2024
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Local EPrints ID: 494626
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/494626
ISSN: 0025-3162
PURE UUID: e382183e-3049-47c4-997c-9ab07b169aa6
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Date deposited: 11 Oct 2024 16:41
Last modified: 07 Dec 2024 03:07
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Emma Mitchell
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