Lion Fish spotted in the waters off Rhode Island?

[jonniex]

Hello was wondering what the deal with the Lion Fish showing up in Rhode Island? I saw this on the news and it concerns me because a lot of local fishermen depend on the fish that these Lion Fish feed upon.
If what happens is anything like what is happening in Florida this could spell doom for many New England industries.

I was wondering if there is anything being done to combat this problem.



- Jon

divesummit
"People protect what they love." - Jacques Cousteau

 

[archman]

Tropical fish come up into New England with the Gulf Stream in the summer months. They die when the waters cool.

All that said, it is common for invasive species to adapt and evolve to new environments. Just look at those #$% damn fire ants...

 

[BioG]

I believe the first official one was spotted in Rhode Island in 2006 (although people have mentioned seeing them before then). Juvenile Tropical fish come up in the gulf stream every year and don't survive the winter. I read somewhere that the lowest temperature that a Lionfish can survive is 50-60 degrees, and our winter water temperature is just below that. If we have a few very warm winters we might start seeing some adults

 

[AfterDark]

If the recent weather is a any indication of what's to come it's going to be a long winter. Where are the dog days of August? This past week has felt like Fall over night. I think our cold water will protect us for a while. If they do adapt LOOK OUT!

 

[Bratface]

They are all up and down the east coast. We have a problem with them in the Caribbean and we shoot them with pole spears, make sure they are dead and leave them on the reef. Fortunately, they can't survive the cold water above the North Carolina, Virginia area so they die in the winter.