The Lionfish is a venomous predatory fish that carries the potential to impact the marine ecosystems of south Florida. Past evidence suggests that the proliferation of lionfish may help decline th eexistence of native species of commercial, recreational, and ecological importance. In addition, lionfish stings are painful and occasionally result in serious injury. The Lionfish is a non-native invasive fish, it was likely to be released on purpose from people whom no longer wanted them as aquarium pets. The swift and warm Gulf Stream, which likely transported buoyant lionfish eggs and larvae from Florida northward, helped the lionfish's Atlantic journey. Introduced lionfish can threaten the health of marine communities and pose a hazard to people. In Florida waters and along the continental shelf near the Gulf Stream the temperatures are very similar to the lionfish's native waters. From north Florida upward, the waters along the coastline are too cold in the winter for lionfish to survive.
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However, given the growing and abundance of lionfish in nearby waters and the accessibility of favorable habitat within the park, it is expected that observations of additional specimens will increase in both frequency and distribution. The Everglades and Dry Tortugas lionfish management plan are currently in review. The preferred alternative outlined in the plan is to "Target specific areas within each park to suppress the invasion of lionfish." Key areas will be identified in Florida Bay where staff will continually survey for and remove lionfish on a regular schedule. These areas are being preserved in their natural state to afford visitors opportunities to experience the character of park resources prior to the invasion by lionfish. Thus, anual efforts are being employed, only a handful of these fishes ar ebeing
However, given the growing and abundance of lionfish in nearby waters and the accessibility of favorable habitat within the park, it is expected that observations of additional specimens will increase in both frequency and distribution. The Everglades and Dry Tortugas lionfish management plan are currently in review. The preferred alternative outlined in the plan is to "Target specific areas within each park to suppress the invasion of lionfish." Key areas will be identified in Florida Bay where staff will continually survey for and remove lionfish on a regular schedule. These areas are being preserved in their natural state to afford visitors opportunities to experience the character of park resources prior to the invasion by lionfish. Thus, anual efforts are being employed, only a handful of these fishes ar ebeing