The presence of the invasive Lionfish species in the Gulf of Mexico and the Alacranes Reef National Park poses a risk to the marine biodiversity of this area, experts recommend its removal from the Yucatan Sea.
According to the Executive Report of the 2023 Oceana Scientific Expedition, the Alacranes Reef, a Protected Natural Area (PNA), safeguards 950 marine species within its 300 square kilometers. Additionally, 33 species of corals have been identified, where the presence of the Lionfish represents a threat.
The Lionfish (Pterois volitans) is an exotic invasive and predatory species that endangers the biodiversity of the Alacranes Reef National Park. Originally from tropical waters in the Indian Ocean, Western Pacific, and Central Pacific, these areas have natural predators that control their population.
Their arrival in the Gulf of Mexico occurred in the 1990s, and since then, they have started to reproduce and colonize Cuba, the Mexican Caribbean, Veracruz, and now Yucatan. Their presence alone has caused negative changes in 60% of the reef, contributing to the loss of coral coverage and the increase in microalgae.
Furthermore, it was emphasized that the Management Program needs to be updated to identify the main threats to the reef. Coral reefs are of great importance as they harbor diverse marine species, many of which are commercially valuable.
Coral reefs are home to a variety of fishery resources such as lobster, snapper fish, and groupers, which sustain important fishing activities.
In particular, the Alacranes Reef is crucial for over 3,600 families engaged in fishing for grouper, lobster, octopus, and other species.
TYT Newsroom