Invasive species are defined as non-native animals, plants, or other organisms that dominate ecosystems and damage their structure and function. The Caribbean islands have had a long history of humans accidentally or intentionally introducing non-native species (ornamentals) and some of these have become invasive. Another factor is climate change which enables invasive species to spread rapidly into areas where natural enemies never evolved. Climate change alters the aspects of the environment like extreme weather events, temperature, and the concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2). These factors are key to the survival of all species and any changes that stress these ecosystems, run the risk of invasions.
The Lionfish is a coral reef fish that is native to the Pacific and Indian Oceans, it has no known predators, but this invasive species has exploded in numbers over the last thirty years due to human interference and climate change. Many governments in the Caribbean have worked hard to develop ways to control lionfish populations and prevent further spread of it.
Some studies have shown that changing conditions may facilitate the long-term establishment of invasive alien species, especially plants. Raising public awareness is one of many factors attributing to the prevention of invasive alien species. Hence, many Caribbean governments are putting in place policies and infrastructure to prevent and control any invasive alien species.
For more reading, check out our links provided below!
Source : https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/southeast/ecosystems/impacts-invasive-lionfish
https://bit.ly/3wqfW3t – Researchgate – Invasive Species Threats in the Caribbean Region
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352647520301106
https://climate.org/archive/topics/ecosystems/invasivespecies.html