Invasion Beyond the Coast: Conservation Through Responsible Reef Keeping

For the last two weeks, we have discussed the potential impact of invasive species that threaten to undermine the delicate ecological balance off the Eastern coast of the United States. Luckily, scientists have discovered this problem and are taking action to correct it.

But what can you, as an aquarist, do to help?

The easiest thing to do is to not release any organisms back into the wild. Even if the species you are releasing is indigenous to the area, the fish may carry diseases that can wipe out a native population. At the very least, your fish has become accustom to not working for food and will most likely starve if it needs to hunt again.

A more proactive approach is to join a local conservation group, such as reef.org or SCCAT.com. These groups not only help to monitor the current state of invasion, but also assist in the cleanup process.

Thank you for joining us on this 3 week journey of discovery and conservation. Through responsible reef keeping, we can maintain wild populations and save the natural balance.

Invasion Beyond the Coast: Threats to Biodiversity

Last week, we introduced a growing problem off the shores of the eastern United States and organizations looking to solve this problem. In this installment of Invasion Beyond the Coast, we will look at what makes a species invasive and at the species assaulting our coastline.

"Alien species means," according to The National Invasive Species Information Center (NISIC), "with respect to a particular ecosystem, any species, including its seeds, eggs, spores, or other biological material capable of propagating that species, that is not native to that ecosystem.”

Because these non-native species often have no competition or predators, their population grows unchecked. They consume food and territory from native species and may also carry diseases of which the native population has no immunity.

This is when the NISIC classifies them as an "invasive species," which means “an alien species whose introduction does or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health.”

You might ask yourself how a species can cause economic harm.

Imagine if a species of crab was introduced into the waters off the Atlantic coast. It competes with lobsters for food and territory so much so, that the lobster industry goes under.

Some people might say there is no way for an invasive species to affect an ecosystem like this. But take the Caulerpa taxifolia, for example. This marine algae has decimated many parts of the Mediterranean Sea. Recently, groups like the Southern California Caulerpa Action Team (SCCAT) have taken up the cause to make sure this weed doesn't get a foothold in California waters.

This project has cost $8.3 million to date.

Today, Atlantic natives face threats from fish around the world. These fish include: Emperor Angel (Pomacanthus imperator), 5 other species of Angelfish (Pomacanthus spp.), Orbicular Batfish (Platax orbicularis), Lionfish (Pterois volitans), 3 varieties of Sailfin Tangs (Zebrasoma spp.), Raccoon Butterflyfish (Chaetodon lunula), yellow tang (Zebrasoma flavescens), Orangespine Unicornfish (Naso lituratus), and Morrish Idol (Zanclus cornutus).

These animals are native to Indo-West Pacific or Red Sea, but are in the Atlantic most often due to inexperienced aquarists who can no longer care for their animals. Although these animals are beautiful and a treat to see in the wild, this is not where they belong.

For information on how you can help, visit REEF.org.

Be sure to catch the final installment of Invasive Beyond the Coast, where we will discuss the how the average aquarist can make an impact on biodiversity.

Invasion Beyond the Coast: An Ecosystem in Danger

In recent news, scientists have become increasingly concerned over the presence of 16 non-native marine fish species of the eastern coast of the United States. In this, the first of the three part series Invasion Beyond the Coast, we will look at the groups that are leading the charge to classify this threat to our oceans.

Researchers believe that the presence of the fish, which include species of Angelfish, Tangs, Lionfish, is most likely due to hobbyists releasing them into the wild. These fish have been tracked by REEF.org for many years now. One of the goals of reef.org is to catalog the population size and location of each of the non-native species. This data, along with research from many other institutions including the National Invasive Species Information Center (NISIC), will be used to gauge the impact of these aquatic aliens on the natural habitats.

The NISIC aquatic division usually tracks freshwater species, but recently has become responsible for marine life as well. This government entity was created in 1999 under Executive Order 13112 by President Clinton. Their mission is to track and catalog all non-native and invasive species in the United States. With this data they gauge the economic and environmental impacts and devise solutions.

For more information on how you can help, visit REEF.org.

Be sure to catch the next installment of Invasive Beyond the Coast, where we will discuss the past and current threats to biodiversity.