INVASIVE SPECIES

In early January 2008, a species of particular concern, the lionfish (Pterois volitans), was spotted at Bloody Bay. This fish has a voracious appetite, eating juvenile fish, shrimp and crabs. It has no known natural predators in Little Cayman. Establishment of this species could have potentially negative impact on the biodiversity on the reefs.

Another species of high concern is an encrusting organism called a mat tunicate (Trididemum solidum). This species occurs in Little Cayman and may be increasing in numbers. It has been shown to have reduced live coral cover by 40% in other locations throughout the Caribbean.

The objectives of this project is to:

• Search the reefs of Little Cayman for the lionfish and record baseline data and determine to what extent is may be starting to invade.
• Examine the impact of the mat tunicate on native coral species by using underwater photography and digital image analysis.