invasive,exotic species and control methods

You may use this website to identify a species that can be used for this discussion: http://www.myfwc.com/nonnatives/

Choose an invasive, exotic organism that is found in Florida that was introduced to Florida through natural or artificial means. Plants and animals, land based, freshwater or marine organisms may be used. Organisms must be a species that is established as a reproducing species to be discussed. Tell us about the (1) introduction and spread of the organism in the state, (2) its impacts on native plants and/or animals, (3) any control or irradication efforts that are occurring.

Watch this video about Burmese python control in the Everglades.

(4) Discuss the ethical questions and controversies involved in controlling the spread of nonnative plants vs. animals.

(5) Would the type of animal (insect, fish, reptile, bird, mammal) play a role in determining an appropriate, ethical control method?

ANSWER

Invasive Exotic Species and Control Methods

The lionfish is an invasive species originally from the indo-pacific. Its scientific name is pteoris volitans (Malpica-Cruz et al., 2016). The lionfish have brown or maroon and white stripes which cover the head and body. They have fleshy tentacles above the eye and below the mouth. The lionfish were artificially introduced in the Florida waters by aquarium owners when they emptied the unwanted lionfish in the nearby coastal waters. The lionfish are harmful to the native plants and animals as they are voracious feeders and reproduce in high numbers. They also do not have natural enemies and are non-selective feeders. They have been said to consume twenty small fish in 30 minutes (Malpica-Cruz et al., 2016). They do not have predators, which makes them multiply in large numbers. They are therefore harmful to the aquatic life in the Florida waters. The only solution, in this case, is controlling the invasive species. This can be done by eating them. Humans know how to eat animals, and they can start by eating the lionfish to reduce their population. Another control method that is underway is the unique approach of teaching sharks how to eat the lionfish.

Sometimes it is okay to use lethal methods if it is the most cost-effective method of eradicating an invasive species. This is especially in situations where it is causing serious damage to the ecosystem and the fastest way to prevent future consequences of the species (Simnitt et al., 2020). The ethical controversies surrounding the eradication of an invasive species are usually surrounding the method of eradication. The invasive species can also contribute to eradicating it depending on its natural enemies and the amount of damage it causes. Those that are likely to cause future problems are eradicated using lethal methods.

References

Malpica-Cruz, L., Chaves, L. C., & Côté, I. M. (2016). Managing marine invasive species through public participation: Lionfish derbies as a case study. Marine Policy, 74, 158-164.

Simnitt, S., House, L., Larkin, S. L., Tookes, J. S., & Yandle, T. (2020). Using Markets to Control Invasive Species: Lionfish in the US Virgin Islands. Marine Resource Economics, 35(4), 319-341.