A recent underwater endeavor off the coast of Fernando de Noronha has led to the successful capture of 140 lionfish, marking a significant step forward in combating this invasive species threatening local marine life. Held on October 22, 2023, the operation was spearheaded by local scuba divers and monitored by the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity (ICMBio).
Lionfish (Pterois volitans), native to the Indo-Pacific region, were first identified along the Brazilian coastline in 2014. Since then, the species has rapidly proliferated, with the first sighting on Fernando de Noronha occurring just three years later, in December 2020.
This operation serves as part of broader efforts to monitor and manage the lionfish population. Known for their voracious appetite, these fish can consume up to 20 smaller fish within just half an hour, largely contributing to the depletion of local marine biodiversity. Their reproductive capacity is equally alarming, as each lionfish can release up to 30,000 eggs at once, resulting in alarming population surges.
During this operation, the divers targeted four distinct locations around the island, three of which were situated within the Fernando de Noronha Marine National Park and one located within the Environmental Protection Area (APA). By effectively mobilizing local resources and expertise, the teams have made significant progress toward managing these invaders.
According to ICMBio, this operation was the last scheduled monitoring effort for 2024. The need for such initiatives is underscored by the detrimental effects lionfish pose not only to biodiversity but also to the local tourism industry centered around scuba activities.
The collaboration between the local scuba companies and environmental agencies has been pivotal. "This was the last monitoring of 2024," noted ICMBio representatives, emphasizing the importance of continued vigilance against the lionfish threat.
Historically, measures to control this invasive species have brought some success, but constant monitoring and removal efforts remain necessary to protect the unique marine ecosystem of Fernando de Noronha.
With growing awareness and strategic partnerships, there’s hope for the future as more such operations are conducted, focusing on preserving the natural balance and beauty of this protected area.
