The study incorporated a computer model to evaluate the non-native species’ potential to impact native populations. The model incorporated oceanic water flow in the region, tolerances of the fish to the ocean environment, and its reproductive strategy in order to supply a temporal and spatial forecast of its spread. From this study, targeted early detection and removal of the fish can be directed if the fish is deemed a threat to native fauna.

On the basis of the study, it is foreseeable that the reefs presently harboring Regal Damselfish, as the fish is commonly known, will likely see increased abundance of this fish. Immediate attempts to eliminate it, therefore, should be focused in nearshore shallow waters spanning Veracruz to Frontera, Mexico. Since water flows in the southern Gulf of Mexico are not widely conducive to long-distance transport of marine organisms with pelagic larvae, it is unlikely that it will permeate the greater Gulf of Mexico in the next five years.

Regal Damselfish is native to the Indo-Pacific and Red Sea. Similar in appearance to the native Brown Chromis, it is distinguishable by a yellow or white spot at the rear base of the dorsal fin, a dark spot behind the gill and yellow rear margins of the fins and tail. In contrast, the native Brown Chromis is identified by dark margins on the tail and a dark spot at the base of the pectoral fin.

The study was posted last month in the journal Marine Biology and was co-authored by Lad Akins, REEF Director of Special Projects.

Both mangroves and seagrass also play an important role in preventing erosion of the sea bottom. The roots of mangroves help absorb the action from waves and help prevent shoreline erosion. When these trees and shrubs are removed, additional support structures such as seawalls are needed. Seagrass stabilizes sediments on the seafloor. Without seagrass, these areas would be a seascape of shifting sand and mud.

Almost all fish and shellfish caught by commercial and recreational anglers spend some part of their life cycles in or near mangroves. Many animals such as Key deer and great white herons call the mangrove habitat home. Seagrass communities, in turn, are home to a wide range of critters such as pink shrimp, lobster, red fish and stone crab during some part of their life cycles. By providing food and shelter to a range of fish, seagrass beds supported an estimated $13.9 million in stone crab, spiny lobster, shrimp, yellowtail snapper, gray snapper and blue crab harvests for Monroe County in 2010.

The new appointees are Kasey Fey (Education and Outreach Alternate) and Lisa Mongelia (Tourism, Upper Keys Alternate). Within the Fishing Commercial Shell/Scale category, Justin Bruland’s appointment was revised to the primary seat, while Jeff Cramer became the alternate. The following members were reappointed to the same seat for another term: Chris Bergh (Conservation and Environment), Martin Moe (Education and Outreach), George Neugent (Elected County Official), Heather Carruthers (Elected County Official Alternate), Corey Malcom (Submerged Cultural Resources), Diane Silvia (Submerged Cultural Resources Alternate), and Andy Newman (Tourism Upper Keys).

Teachers at Sea are expected to contribute to the daily working operations, write/share a daily blog with the NOAA Teacher at Sea Program, and produce and share a lesson plan based on the experience and new knowledge. The science project being carried out during this mission is called ACCESS (Applied California Current Ecosystem Studies). More information.

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