Proposal Cover Sheet
Term: Fall 2011
Instructor: Dr. Nora Demers
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Name: Michael Saenz
Present Year in Education: Senior
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E-mail Address: mtsaenz@eagle.fgcu.edu
Major: Environmental Studies
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Have you identified a research mentor for a senior thesis (if applicable)? No
If yes, please identify.
Name: n/a
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Title of Proposal:
“How has predation by the invasive Lionfish, Pterois volitans, impacted the juvenile populations of the
Rainbow Parrotfish, Scarus guacamaia, known to depend on Bahamian mangrove habitat?”
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Keywords (3-5): Pterois volitans, Scarus guacamaia, mangrove(s), invasive, Bahamas
Checklist:
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All required portions of the first submission are included: Yes
I had an external reviewer read the proposal: Yes
If Yes, who? Holly Taylor (Mother), Dr. Greg Tolley, Professor Nora Demers
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I authorize the use of this proposal as an example in future courses: Yes
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ABSTRACT: The successful invasion of the Indo-Pacific lionfish species, Pterois volitans, into the sub-
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tropical and tropical Western Atlantic has raised major concern about the potential ecological impacts of
this invasive predator on native marine ecosystems. A considerable amount of research has been
conducted on the impact of this invasion within Bahamian coral reef ecosystems, however, there appears
to be a clear need for further investigation into lionfish impacts on critical non-reef habitat, such as
mangroves, that provide shelter and protection for important herbivorous coral reef species as juveniles
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during their maturation. Juvenile specimens of the Rainbow Parrotfish, Scarus Guacamaia, will be used
in order to conduct controlled laboratory experimentation on the predation of P. volitans among three
distinct levels of structural habitat complexity, including one consistent with the complexity found in
their natural habitat. This research will allow us to quantify the ability of natural mangrove prop-root
system conditions in protecting juvenile S. guacamaia populations from predation by P. volitans in the
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wild.
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Table of Contents
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Page - 1. Cover Sheet
2. Research Abstract
3. (Table of Contents)
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4. Introduction
6. Research Objectives
7. Methods
10. Broader Implications
11. Time Table and Project Management
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12. References Cited
14. Curriculum Vitae
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Introduction
“How has predation by the invasive lionfish, Pterois volitans, within Bahamian mangrove ecosystems
impacted the juvenile populations of the Rainbow Parrotfish, Scarus guacamaia,successfully being
recruited to adjacent coral reef ecosystems as adults?”
Mangroves represent vital habitat for juvenile fish communities by providing shelter to protect these fish
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from predation during their vulnerable maturation period (Layman, 2002). The prop-root systems found in
mangrove habitat provide necessary protection to juvenile fish by acting as both a physical and visual barrier
from predators. The high structural complexity of mangrove habitat inhibits the ability of predators to find and
capture their prey in this environment, thus increasing the chances of survival for juvenile fish communities
using these habitats (Rooker et al., 1998). Recently, however, the delicate balance of these vital mangrove
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ecosystems has been threatened by the invasion of the Indo-Pacific Lionfish, Pterois volitans, not only into the
Bahamas but throughout the Atlantic and Caribbean (Schofield, 2009).
Lionfish are highly effective predators and are voracious eaters that consume a wide-range of prey. To
exacerbate the problem, there are virtually no natural predators of lionfish in this region and because of the fact
that P. volitans is an invasive species, there appears to be some degree of predator naiveté among native prey
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species, meaning they do not inherently recognize or acknowledge the lionfish as a predator. Research suggests
that the invasive lionfish populations are accumulating at greater densities with larger body sizes and total body
mass on Bahamian coral reefs in comparison with the Pterois miles populations examined in their native Kenyan
coral reefs (Darling, 2011).
Much of the existing research available about the invasion has been concentrated on the origins
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(Freshwater, 2009), as well as the temporal and spatial extent of the invasion (Johnston, 2011). Research has also
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been conducted on the overall biology and ecology of P. volitans (Morris, 2009), the impact of lionfish predation
on coral reef ecosystems (Albins, 2008, 2011), as well as potential management actions that could be initiated to
regulate the invasion (Barbour, 2011). There appears to be a significant gap in knowledge about the invasion in
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regards to the impact of this invasion on critical non-reef habitat, such as mangrove ecosystems. It is important
to investigate the impact of this invasion, either through predation or competition, on critical non-reef habitat
because these habitats are closely interconnected with coral reefs and have a significant impact on coral reef fish
biomass, as well as community structure (Barbour, 2010). There appears to be a clear need for further research
into the impact of lionfish on foraging fish communities. The foraging behavior of herbivorous fish species
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provides a vital ecosystem service by regulating the algae levels on coral reefs (Schofield, 2009). Mangrove
habitat provides shelter and protection from predation for many herbivorous fish species during the juvenile
stage until they migrate from these habitats to adjacent coral reefs as adults (Layman, 2002). The presence of
these herbivorous fish on coral reefs is important because the absence of these key species have been shown to
significantly reduce the ability of coral reef systems to defend themselves against the overgrowth of algae
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(Mumby, 2004).
I intend to assess the impact of the invasion of predation by the lionfish species, Pterois volitans, on
juvenile foraging fish communities that inhabit Bahamian mangrove habitat. Scarus guacamaia will be
designated as the experimental prey species because it is considered to be the largest herbivorous foraging fish
species in the Atlantic and has been shown to have a functional dependency on mangrove ecosystems during its
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juvenile stage. S. guacamaia is an IUCN Red List threatened species, making it especially vulnerable to any
additional predation pressure imposed by the invasive lionfish populations. Mumby (2004) estimated that the
loss of a single adult specimen of S. guacamaia would constitute as much as a 10% reduction in total Rainbow
Parrotfish biomass within its territory. I plan to investigate the effectiveness of mangrove prop root systems in
protecting juvenile S. guacamaia populations from predation by P. volitans.
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Research Objectives
The purpose of this research study is to examine the effectiveness of the natural structural
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complexity found within mangrove habitat in defending juvenile populations of the Rainbow Parrotfish,
S. guacamaia, from predation by the invasive lionfish, Pterois volitans. The overall goal of this research
is to determine the level of threat that predation by the invasive lionfish, Pterois volitans, is posing to
Bahamian herbivorous fish populations known to utilize mangrove prop-root system habitats as
juveniles. This research will address the lack of knowledge present about the impacts of this invasion on
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critical non-reef habitat like mangroves. This research will reveal whether or not predation by the nonnative P. volitans in Bahamian mangrove habitat could significantly be reducing the amount of S.
guacamaia adults successfully being recruited to adjacent coral reef ecosystems to which their foraging
habits are vital in controlling reef algae levels.
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Methods
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One hundred juvenile specimens (standard length ≈ 78.8 mm) of Scarus guacamaia will be collected,
also known as the Rainbow Parrotfish, within the mangrove habitat on Andros, Island of the Bahamas (Randall,
1963). Collections will take place during low-tide and be sampled using trap nets (8 x 2m, 1 mm mesh size) set
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at the mouths of small tidal creeks to catch fauna being swept out with the receding tide as the mangrove forest
is drained. (Laegdsgaard, 1995) Water temperature, salinity, and oxygen levels will be measured upon each trap
collection for laboratory reference after obtaining IACUC approval as well as permission from the Bahamas.
After a 1-week acclimation period for the S. guacamaia specimens, a separate collection will be
conducted of the invasive lionfish species, Pterois volitans. Thirteen adult (11 to 15 inches) specimens of P.
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volitans will be collected using hand-nets to reduce the risk of envenomation, from various coral reef sites also
found on Andros, Island in the Bahamas (Morris et al., 2009) (NOAA, 2011).. Both P. volitans and S. guacamaia
specimens will be transported to the testing facility in water obtained on site during specimen collection and
temperature will be monitored to ensure specimen well-being throughout transportation.
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Experimental Protocol
Experimental and holding tank conditions will be maintained as closely as possible to the native
environment based on field measurements taken during collection. All fish will be acclimated to experimental
tank conditions for a minimum of 48 hours on arrival. The S. guacamaia specimens will be fed Hikari® algae
wafers daily until enough algae accumulates in the tanks in order to sustain them (Verweij et al., 2006). P.
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volitans specimens will be starved prior to the experiment for a minimum of 48 hours in order to catalyze
feeding behavior (Fishelson, 1997).
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Three (3) separate trials consisting of three-hour periods will be conducted for each of the four different
tank environments. The tank environments represent three relative scales of habitat complexity: open water/no
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complexity, medium complexity, and high complexity. A fourth tank will be used to set up a control for the
experiment, consisting of an additional open water environment in which no P. volitans will be exposed to the S.
guacamaia population. Mangrove habitat complexity will be simulated by hanging PVC tubing (diameter 1.5 cm,
length 40 cm) just above the tanks to mimic aerial mangrove prop-root systems found in the natural environment.
The highest complexity tank environment will have a density 64 m-2 because previous research has correlated
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this level of structural habitat complexity with the highest abundances of fish being found in these environments
(Verweij, 2006). Using this as our standard, the medium complexity tank will have a density equivalent to half of
that found in the high complexity environment, 32 m-2. The open water tanks in both the control and
experimental environments will have no PVC tubing or additional structural complexity.
In each tank there will be 10 S. guacamaia specimens exposed to 1 P. volitans per trial, with the
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exception of the control experiment which will monitor 10 S. guacamaia without the presence of P. volitans in
an additional open water tank. Introduction of the P. volitans into each sub-environment will occur at exactly
9:30 AM each morning based on research that P. volitans are diurnal feeders with the highest predation activity
occurring between 8:00 AM and 11:00 AM (Schofield, 2009). Tanks will be cleaned between each trial and the
water will be replaced using a filtration system.
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Data Collection and Analysis:
Three observers will record the number of S. guacamaia remaining after each trial as well as the number
of physical attacks initiated by the P. volitans for each trial. This data will allow for a comparison between the
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energy exerted by the P. volitans per feeding trial and the actual amount of S. guacamaia killed and/or eaten.
The data gathered will be analyzed using a 1-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) test, using a p-value
significance of < 0.05 (or equal to). For example, “0.09” would not be significant, while “0.0001” would be
considered highly significant.
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Factor - Habitat Complexity
Level(s): Open Water, Medium complexity, High complexity
Experimental control: Open Water tank – 10 juvenile S. guacamaia with NO P. Volitans
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Response variables:
Number (#) of S. guacamaia fish eaten per 3 hour trial
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Number (#) of attacks by Pterois Volitans on juvenile S. guacamaia per 3 hr. trial
Tukey's multi-comparison post-hoc test will also be applied to further determine the significance of the
results.
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Broader Implications
Throughout the preliminary research process a clear need for further investigation into the impacts of the
invasion of the Indo-Pacific lionfish, Pterois volitans, on Bahamian mangrove ecosystems became apparent in
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order to assess the level of predation pressure the invasive predator is imposing on important foraging fish
species known to utilize these habitats during their vulnerable juvenile stage. This is an important research
endeavor because the aforementioned characteristics unique to the invasive P. volitans give it the potential to be
one of the most ecologically devastating species invasions in modern history. The more research conducted on
the dynamics and unique characteristics of this species invasion, the better our scientific understanding will be
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for initiating the appropriate response measures.
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Time table and Project Management
The nature of this proposed research suggests that the endeavor is feasible within a relatively short
period of time. The biggest time constraints involved in the implementation of this research would be obtaining
IACUC approval as well as permission from the Bahamas territory at the onset of the research. Once permission
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is granted, the experiment can move forward beginning with the collection of the juvenile Scarus guacamaia
specimens using trap-nets.
Due to the relatively small quantity of S. guacamaia specimens required for the experiment, the goal
number should be achieved within a small number of trapping attempts. After a one-week acclimation period for
the collected juvenile S. guacamaia specimens, a separate collection of adult Pterois volitans specimens will be
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conducted using hand-nets. Once the collected lionfish specimens arrive at the laboratory testing site, they will
be acclimated to experimental tank conditions for a period of about 48 hours, during which time they will be
deprived (starved) of food until the experiment is underway.
Four experimental tanks representing various levels of habitat complexity will be used to conduct three
different feeding trials per tank, for a total of 12 individual experiments. Each feeding trial will last for exactly
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three hours and so we can conclude that no more than 36 hours of actual laboratory experimentation and data
collection will be necessary to conclude the experimental phase of the research. At this point, data can then be
statistically analyzed for significance comparisons among the different habitats.
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Literature Cited
Introduction section
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Albins MA, Hixon MA (2008) Invasive Indo-Pacific lionfish Pterois volitans reduce recruitment of Atlantic
coral-reef fishes. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 367: 233-238
Albins, M., & Hixon, M. (2011). Worst case scenario: potential long-term effects of invasive predatory lionfish
(Pterois volitans) on Atlantic and Caribbean coral-reef communities. Environmental Biology of Fishes,
1-7-7. Springer Netherlands.
Barbour, Andrew; Meredith Montgomery, Alecia Adamson et al. (2010) Mangrove use by the invasive lionfish
Pterois volitans, 291-294. In Marine Ecology Progress Series
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Barbour, A., Allen, M., Frazer, T., & Sherman, K. (2011). Evaluating the Potential Efficacy of Invasive Lionfish
(Pterois volitans) Removals. PLoS ONE, 6 (5) DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0019666
Freshwater, D. et al. (2009). Mitochondrial control region sequence analyses indicate dispersal from the US East
Coast as the source of the invasive Indo-Pacific lionfish Pterois volitans in the Bahamas. Marine
Biology, 156(6), 1213-1221.
Johnston, M.W., Purkis, S.J., 2011. Spatial analysis of the invasion of lionfish in the western Atlantic and
Caribbean. Marine Pollution Bulletin 62 (6), 1218–1226.
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Layman, C.A. and Silliman, B.R. (2002) Preliminary survey and diet analysis of juvenile fishes of
an estuarine creek on Andros Island, Bahamas. Bulletin of Marine Science 70(1):199-210.
Morris J.A. Jr, et al. (2009) Biology and Ecology of the Invasive Lionfish, Pterois miles and Pterois volitans.
Proceedings of the 61st Gulf and Carribean Fisheries Institute November 10-14, 2008. Gosier,
Goudeloupe, French West Indies.
Mumby, P.J., et al (2004) Mangroves enhance the biomass of coral reef fish communities in the Caribbean.
Nature, 427 (6974). pp. 533-536. ISSN 0028-0836
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Rooker et al., 1998 J.R. Rooker, G.J. Holt and S.A. Holt, Vulnerability of newly settled red drum (Sciaenops
ocellatus) to predatory fish: is early-life survival enhanced by seagrass meadows?. Mar. Biol., 131
(1998), pp. 145–151.
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Schofield, P.J. (2009) Geographic extent and chronology of the invasion of non-native lionfish (Pterois volitans
[Linnaeus 1758] and P. miles [Bennett 1828]) in the Western North Atlantic and Caribbean Sea. Aquatic
Invasions 4:473-479.
Verweij M.C., Nagelkerken I, de Graaff D, Peeters M, Bakker EJ, van der Velde G (2006) Structure,
food
and shade attract juvenile coral reef fish to mangrove and seagrass habitats: a field experiment. Marine
Ecology Progress Series 306: 257-268
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Literature Cited Continued
Methodology section
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Cerino C (2010) Bioenergetics and trophic impacts of invasive Indo-Pacific lionfish: MSc thesis. Greenville:
East Carolina University. 72 p.
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Fishelson, L. (1997) Experiments and observations on food consumption, growth and starvation in Dendrochirus
brachypterus and Pterois volitans (Pteroinae, Scorpaenidae). Environmental Biology of Fishes 50:391–
403.
Green SJ, Côté IM (2008) Record densities of Indo-Pacific lionfish on Bahamian coral reefs. Coral Reefs 28:
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Laegdsgaard, Pia; Johnson, Craig R. (1995)Mangrove habitats as nurseries: unique assemblages of juvenile
fish in subtropical mangroves in eastern Australia. Mar. Ecol. Progr. Ser. 126:67-81
Layman, C.A. and Silliman, B.R. (2002) Preliminary survey and diet analysis of juvenile fishes of
an estuarine creek on Andros Island, Bahamas. Bulletin of Marine Science 70(1):199-210.
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Morris J.A. Jr. et al. (2009) Biology and Ecology of the Invasive Lionfish, Pterois miles and Pterois volitans.
Proceedings of the 61st Gulf and Carribean Fisheries Institute November 10-14, 2008. Gosier,
Goudeloupe, French West Indies.
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Morris J.A. Jr, Akins JL (2009) Feeding ecology of invasive lionfish (Pterois volitans) in the Bahamian
archipelago. Env Bio Fish 86: 389–398.
NOAA's National Ocean Service: Lionfish Invasion." NOAA's National Ocean Service. N.p., n.d. Web. 3 May
2011. <http://oceanservice.noaa.gov/education/stories/lionfish/factsheet.html>.
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Mumby, P.J., et al (2004) Mangroves enhance the biomass of coral reef fish communities in the Caribbean.
Nature, 427 (6974). pp. 533-536. ISSN 0028-0836
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Randall, John E. (1963) Notes on the Systematics of Parrotfishes (Scaridae), with Emphasis on Sexual
Dichromatism. Copeia, Vol. 1963, No. 2 (Jun. 14, 1963), pp. 225-237
Schofield, P.J. (2009) Geographic extent and chronology of the invasion of non-native lionfish (Pterois volitans
[Linnaeus 1758] and P. miles [Bennett 1828]) in the Western North Atlantic and Caribbean Sea. Aquatic
Invasions 4:473-479.
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Turner JW, Jr, C Rogers and R Nemeth (2003) Measurement of fecal glucocorticoids in parrotfishes to assess
stress. Journal of General and Comparative Endocrinology 133:341-352
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Verweij M.C., Nagelkerken I, de Graaff D, Peeters M, Bakker EJ, van der Velde G (2006) Structure, food and
shade attract juvenile coral reef fish to mangrove and seagrass habitats: a field experiment. Marine
Ecology Progress Series 306: 257-268
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Michael T. Saenz
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7533 Trillium Boulevard, Sarasota, Florida 34241
(941) 650-5833
Education:
2008-Present: Florida Gulf Coast University, Ft. Myers, FL (Projected Graduation Date: Fall 2012)
Major: Environmental Studies
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Minor: Interdisciplinary Studies
Relevant course work - Marine Systems, Environmental Education, Environmental
Literature, Environmental Biology of SW Florida, Environmental Humanities, ST:
Sustainability, Integrated Ecosystems Management
2004-2008: Riverview High School, Sarasota, Florida (Graduation Date: 2008)
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Awards and Achievements:
 Dean's List FGCU (2009 and 2010)
 Florida Bright Future’s Scholarship (2008-Present)
 Quill and Scroll National Journalism Honor Society (Senior Year, H.S.)
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 Renaissance Academic Achievement (Senior Year, H.S.)
 Bobby Geere Award: Sarasota Herald Tribune contest recognizing excellence in High School
journalism
 Outstanding Attendance and Achievement (Junior/Senior Year, H.S.)
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Extracurricular, Personal and Volunteer Activities:
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 P.A.T.C.H. - member of the Project Art Therapy for Children's Health club, President Marisa
Schreiber. (FGCU)
 Special Equestrians Volunteer: Assist in providing Horse therapy for disabled individuals,
program provides therapy for a wide range of disabilities.
 BUDS (Bringing Up Down Syndrome) volunteer: Assist with fund raising and group events
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throughout the year. Participant in the annual “Buddy Walk”.
 TOPS Soccer volunteer: Act as a “buddy” to disabled children in special needs soccer league
 KEY Club- Riverview High School: Participate in various community service oriented events
throughout the year
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Work Experience:
February 2011-Present: Angelina's Ristorante, Fort Myers, FL
Server Assistant; Food Runner/Expeditor – (fine Italian dining)
2007-2008: Sarasota Herald Tribune, Sarasota, Florida
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Correspondent Writer: Write entertainment related news and music reviews as assigned
2006-2007: Firehouse Subs, Sarasota, Florida
Sandwich preparation, operating the cash register, and customer service in a fast-paced
restaurant
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