Ep 10. Scourge of the Lionfish

In Saving the Ocean season 1 episode 10, entitled Scourge of the Lionfish, viewers are introduced to the invasive species threatening the ecosystems of the Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean. The lionfish was introduced from the Indo-Pacific region and has rapidly multiplied, with no natural predators in its new habitats. The episode highlights the dangers lionfish pose to coral reefs, fish populations, and local economies dependent on tourism and fishing.

Throughout the episode, viewers follow marine biologist, Lad Akins, as he works with local organizations and fishermen to develop ways to control the lionfish population. Akins describes the lionfish as a "voracious predator" and points out that one lionfish can eat up to 30 times its weight in a single year. As a result, lionfish are decimating native fish populations and negatively impacting other marine life dependent on coral reefs.

Despite the clear danger posed by lionfish, the creatures are attractive to the aquarium trade and have become a popular display item. Akins and his team explain that this popularity has made it difficult to control their spread. Individuals across the United States have released lionfish into the ocean, either intentionally or unintentionally, after growing tired of caring for them in their homes.

Akins and his team work to educate those in the aquarium trade and prevent the spread of lionfish through a number of innovative methods. For example, the episode highlights a device called the Canine Aquatic Retrieval System (CARS). With CARS, trained dogs sniff out the lionfish in shallow reef areas. Once the lionfish are located, divers can remove them, reducing their impact on the ecosystem. In addition to CARS, Akins and other scientists are working to create new recipes featuring lionfish, which may increase demand for the fish in restaurants.

The episode also looks at the impact lionfish have on local economies. In Florida, for example, tourism and fishing provide a significant source of income for many coastal communities. The growth of the lionfish population has led to a decrease in the number of native game fish, which has reduced the number of recreational fishermen visiting the area. Furthermore, lionfish can consume the juvenile fish of commercial seafood species, impacting the livelihoods of local fishermen.

As the episode continues, Akins and his team test different methods for controlling lionfish populations. For example, they experiment with trapping and poisoning the fish. They also work to develop hunting events and other educational opportunities in an effort to engage the public in the fight against lionfish.

In the end, Scourge of the Lionfish serves as a call to action for viewers. The episode highlights the unique danger posed by invasive species, and the importance of taking swift action to control their populations. Furthermore, the episode illustrates the important role individuals and communities can play in protecting the ocean and its delicate ecosystems. Saving the Ocean season 1 episode 10 is an engaging and informative look at the impact of lionfish on the Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean, and a testament to the importance of conservation efforts.