Ecology and All Things Green in the Islands

Lionfish are in South Florida Waters for Keeps

WASHINGTON – The very greedy lionfish has found a new home in the brackish waters of South Florida's estuaries -- and it has moved in for keeps, marine scientists are discovering.

Like a hungry guest at a holiday party, this invasive species from the South Pacific rarely strays from its food supply. Lionfish grow quickly, up to 19 inches long, partly because they have no natural predators in this hemisphere and can focus on gobbling up native shrimp, crab and reef fish.

And while they are not likely to swim up to humans, they won't back away when confronted and can deliver a painful sting.

The latest research findings – that lionfish tend to stay put for long periods – indicate that their numbers can be controlled by localized attempts to capture or kill them. Federal and local conservation leaders have given up trying to eradicate them but hope to reduce their numbers in critical places, such as marine sanctuaries, inlets and waterways where other fish reproduce.

The lionfish, an aquarium favorite, has been spreading for years from South Florida north to the Carolinas, south to Venezuela, east to the Caribbean islands and west along the Gulf Coast to Texas. But increasing numbers have been found around the docks, pilings and seawalls of the Loxahatchee River in Palm Beach County, a sign they may be populating other South Florida estuaries.

"These fish really stay put, at least in our system," said Zachary Jud, a marine scientist at Florida International University, who has tagged fish to track their movements in the Loxahatchee. "We've had some fish that stayed in the same spot for months. The greatest distance some moved was a couple hundred feet."

Jud's findings indicate that adult lionfish do not swim to colonize other parts of the coast. Instead, he believes, their larvae drift in ocean currents for weeks, then settle wherever they happen to arrive as little fish.

"It means that if you go out and kill all those fish in a given area, more adult fish aren't going to just go in to take their place," Jud said. "You are going to get some replacements, but they will start out as tiny juveniles that grow up. The reason that's important is that the bigger the lionfish gets, it's going to eat more, eat more often and eat bigger prey. So a small lionfish is less harmful than a big lionfish."

Because adult lionfish tend to stay in one place, teams of divers have been somewhat successful in keeping down their numbers along the South Florida coast by capturing or spearing them.

"Roundups" or "derbies" designed to hunt lionfish come with warnings: wear puncture-proof gloves, avoid reaching blindly into crevices where they might lurk and beware of their painful sting, which can produce severe swelling.

Lionfish are mainly a threat to smaller fish. But they can be a nuisance to divers, who encounter them when exploring underwater wrecks or artificial reefs, and to fisherman who pull them out of the sea.

Scientists and divers say the lionfish will not aggressively swim up to humans, and their venom is not fatal. But they also don't retreat when confronted and need to be avoided or handled with great care to avoid stings from the spines along their backs.

"We would encourage anyone not properly equipped to not handle the fish at all," said Lad Akins of the Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF), a marine-conservation group based in Key Largo, which organizes lionfish roundups. "I would advise fishermen who catch one to hold the fish over a cooler or bucket and cut the line."

Akins, a diver who has been stung several times, said the best treatment is to apply very hot water to the sting area.

REEF plans more roundups off the shores of Broward, Palm Beach and Miami-Dade counties during diving season between May and November, as well as in the Bahamas.

"Divers are doing a good job of keeping the numbers down around popular dive sites," Akins said. "But I'm sure the numbers are still increasing [elsewhere.]"

Knowing that lionfish cannot be eliminated – but also that they're tasty -- the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has resorted to a strategy dubbed "If you can't beat 'em, eat 'em." Fishermen are encouraged to haul them in to cook or sell. Some restaurants in the Florida Keys have put lionfish on their menus. And REEF has published "The Lionfish Cookbook," with 45 recipes.

"In time, other fish are going to slowly realize that lionfish are edible, and they are going to start feeding on lionfish," Jud said. "And in time, prey fish are going to start to realize that lionfish are something to avoid."

"That might take a couple of decades," he said. "In the meantime, we need to realize that they are here to stay and make the best of it."

Courtesy of the Sun Sentinel

Drilling For Oil in the Bahamas???

WASHINGTON — Just as South Florida braces for oil drilling set to begin next month off the shores of Cuba, a Bahamian company is pressing to dig exploratory wells as early as next year less than 200 miles from the state's delicate coastline.

The Bahamian plans could eventually bring rigs as close as 40 miles from Port Everglades.

The prospect of energy exploration off both Cuba and the Bahamas has broadened concerns that widespread drilling will lead to a major oil spill that pollutes the East Coast, fouling beaches, damaging reefs and endangering wildlife.

"If an oil slick gets into the Gulf Stream, it would be carried north, not only along the coast of Florida but farther north into the Middle Atlantic states," warned former Florida Sen. Bob Graham, co-chairman of a commission that investigated the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010. "The main concern for the United States would be, in the event of an accident, what capability would the Bahamas have to contain the consequences?"

Seismic testing has convinced the Bahamas Petroleum Co. that more than a billion barrels worth of oil may be found below waters south of Andros Island, the likely site of a first exploratory well.

"Geologically, it's very exciting," said Paul Gucwa, chief operating officer of Bahamas Petroleum, which has contacted larger companies in search of a partner to conduct the drilling.

"We will begin our exploration as soon as the Bahamian government puts the necessary regulations in place," Gucwa said. "They are moving forward to put those regulations in place. We are moving forward to be ready to drill next year."

When asked about the environmental impact, Gucwa said, "This is very close to Cuba. It would not be any different to the environment than the wells that are being drilled [in Cuban waters]."

The Bahamas and Cuba agreed in October, after 13 years of negotiation, to define and "delimit" their maritime border. The agreement fosters cooperation on trade, shipping and environmental protection. It also clears the way for the two countries to form a joint venture to tap oil reserves along that border and divide the proceeds.

But the Bahamian government — mindful of the Gulf disaster and a recent spill off the coast of Brazil — has blocked offshore production while reviewing its energy regulations and mulling the environmental impact.

The government has granted licenses for potential oil production in Bahamian waters east of Port Everglades and farther south along its maritime border with Cuba. The temporary ban, however, has blocked test wells in those areas.

"They have put on the brakes but not turned off the engine," said Jorge Piñón, a former oil executive and energy expert at Florida International University, who has consulted with leaders in Cuba, the Bahamas and the U.S. government. "After Deepwater Horizon, they want to make sure their regulations are updated before they lift the ban. I think the [parliamentary] elections in the Bahamas in May will set the direction on this."

The Bahamas, much like Florida, is conflicted: It wants to protect its ecosystem and tourism but is tempted by the riches of oil production. The parliamentary-election results could sway decisions on when or whether to lift the ban.

Removing it would clear the way for contractors with experience in offshore drilling to explore for oil, much as Cuba has contracted with Repsol, a Spanish company, to begin drilling in waters north of Havana.

A giant, floating Chinese-made rig named Scarabeo 9 is slowly chugging across the ocean from Singapore toward Cuba to begin drilling next month about 22 miles north of Havana and 70 miles south of the Florida Keys. The U.S. Coast Guard is making contingency plans in case a spill produces an oil slick that rides the Gulf Stream toward Florida.

Drilling off Cuba and Mexico — plus the prospect of wells near the Bahamas and potentially elsewhere in the Caribbean — prompted Graham, Piñón and environmentalists to call for regional cooperation on safety measures and to pool resources to contain a possible spill.

U.S. officials would prefer to discuss such matters through multinational forums rather than directly with Cuba, and they may get their chance this week. The International Maritime Organization, a U.N. agency that focuses on marine safety and pollution, is hosting a workshop Wednesday to Friday in the Bahamas on contingency plans for an oil-spill disaster. Delegations are expected from the United States, Cuba, Mexico and Jamaica, which also is considering oil exploration.

Drilling plans in the region have also prompted some in Congress to press for more offshore production in U.S. waters, including the Atlantic coast and the eastern Gulf along Florida's west coast.

"You know, someone's going to do the drilling," said U.S. Rep. Allen West, R-Plantation. "If we are not going to take advantage of the resources we have available to us, my concern is that all of a sudden they [Cuba and other countries] start to slant drill. And if there is a catastrophic event, they aren't going to care what happens to our beaches or shores."

"Repsol and Cuba and China and everyone else is going to continue to close the noose around our necks as far as energy independence is concerned," West said. "Wouldn't it be a shame if down the road we're going to China or Cuba or someone else for energy resources that we allowed to be taken right from under our noses?"

from the Sun Sentinel

Nassau Grouper Advisory

NASSAU, Bahamas -- The Department of Marine Resources wishes to advise the general public of the closure of the Nassau Grouper (Epinephelus striatus) season for all of The Bahamas commencing 1st December 2011 to 29th February 2012.
The Department of Marine Resources wishes to further advise that the taking, landing, processing and possessing of Nassau Grouper will be strictly prohibited.
The general public is to note that the ban is only for the Nassau Grouper species and that one is able to capture and purchase any of the remaining available species of groupers in The Bahamas. All groupers are top be landed head and tail intact to assist in the identification of the species of grouper.
To assist in the identification of the Nassau Grouper species from the other grouper species, the Nassau Grouper is the grouper with the black band or saddle near its tail.
The Department of Marine Resources requests the co-operation of the general public by adhering to all of the fisheries laws of The Bahamas. Persons found in violation will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

Sunscreen Pills from Coral Reefs

Scientists have discovered a natural compound that protects coral reefs from sunlight, opening the door to sunscreen pills and UV-resistant crops.
Sunscreen may help prevent skin cancer, but it's still a bummer to put on. What if, instead of lathering yourself in greasy lotions, you could just take a sunscreen pill?

According to new research by scientists at King's College of London, that might soon be an option. They've discovered a natural compound in coral reefs that protects against the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays, and they're now "very close" to synthesizing it in a lab. Once they do that, it could lead to an oral sunscreen pill for human use — possibly within five years.

It may also offer other benefits, the researchers add, such as genetically modified crops that can thrive in the tropics despite exposure to harsh UV rays.

So why do corals, of all animals, make sunscreen? It's an adaptation to their strange lifestyle: Corals are symbiotic, absorbing photosynthetic algae into their bodies so they can be fed from within. The algae, in turn, are safe from predators and use the corals' waste for photosynthesis. This partnership has created huge coral reefs around the world, but it also has a major flaw: Since the reefs need sunlight to make food, most live in shallow water near the ocean's surface. And that exposes them to UV rays.

UV rays are especially intense in the tropics, where many coral reefs are known to protect themselves by making their own sunscreen. But until now, scientists never knew how they did it — or how we could mimic them. According to researcher Paul Long, who led the King's College study, the key is cooperation.

"What we have found is that the algae living within the coral makes a compound that we think is transported to the coral, which then modifies it into a sunscreen for the benefit of both the coral and the algae," Long says in a statement. "Not only does this protect them both from UV damage, but we have seen that fish that feed on the coral also benefit from this sunscreen protection, so it is clearly passed up the food chain. This led us to believe that if we can determine how this compound is created and passed on, we could biosynthetically develop it in the laboratory to create a sunscreen for human use, perhaps in the form of a tablet, which would work in a similar way."

The idea of sunscreen pills isn't new — they're already sold over the counter, under brand names like Heliocare, Fernblock and Sunpill. Many are even based on natural compounds, such as the antioxidants Polypodium leucotomos or astaxanthin. But while some studies have found them to be at least mildly effective, a few of those studies have also been criticized for small sample sizes and other poor research methods. Sold as dietary supplements, the current pills aren't regulated by the FDA, and their labels warn they should only be used with sunscreen, not instead of it.

Corals can't buy Coppertone, though, so they must rely entirely on their DIY sunscreen. And now researchers at King's College are hoping humans can, too — and soon. Long says that "if all goes well, we would expect to test it within the next two years." And speaking to the Guardian, he even offers an estimate on when it might hit the market. "There would have to be a lot of toxicology tests done first," he says, "but I imagine a sunscreen tablet might be developed in five years or so."

Such a tablet may have to be prescription-only, the Guardian points out, to limit the chances of people overdosing. Skin needs some sunlight, and too much protection could lead to vitamin D deficiency and weak bones. Still, Long argues the potential benefits outweigh the risks. "Nothing like it exists at the moment," he says.

On top of sunscreen pills, Long hopes the coral compound can also boost sustainable agriculture in the tropics. "If we do this in crop plants that have been bred in temperate climates for high yield, but that at present would not grow in the tropics because of high exposure to sunlight, this could be a way of providing a sustainable nutrient-rich food source, particularly in need for Third World economies," he says.

And while this research hints at huge benefits for humans, it may also be good for coral reefs themselves. While studying in Australia's Great Barrier Reef, Long and his colleagues have been studying the process of coral bleaching, considered a growing threat due to rising ocean temperatures from global warming. By examining corals' genetic and biochemical changes as they're exposed to sunlight in warmer water, the researchers hope to better understand how bleaching works and how to fight it.

Russell McLendon, Mother Nature Network

Photo: ZUMA Press

Rainforest Ecolodge on Saba Island

Why is Saba known as the Unspoiled Queen of the Caribbean?

Saba is one of the few islands in the Caribbean that has not been spoiled by the mass tourism. You won't find big cities, traffic, resorts, or casinos. What you will discover is a very laid back environment with old world West Indies charm alongside modern facilities, such as island wide Wi-Fi.

The locals are quite serious about preserving their environment, and delight in visitors who are appreciative of their beautiful, unspoiled island home. If you're dreaming of the "typical" Caribbean beach paradise, this is NOT the destination. Saba rises steeply from the Caribbean Sea, and from every direction are glorious cliff views of the ocean, along with small bays, coves and tide pools filled with rocky pebbles.

What the island does offer is some of the best diving, snorkeling, hiking, lush mountain forests, and nature walks in the region. The entire island is circled by the Saba National Marine Park, which is known throughout the diving world as one of the best pristine spots to explore offshore reefs, walls and pinnacles.

Rainforest Ecolodge Rendez-vous on Saba

Saba Ecolodge Philosophy: Bringing people into intimate contact with nature, while demonstrating a responsible attitude towards the use of natures resources and the environment.

The Ecolodge is family owned/operated, and features 12 cottages surrounded by the the islands lush rainforest. In this tropical hideaway guests drop off the grid with no TV, radio or telephone - just the lulling sounds of tree frogs and birds.

And don't worry about charging your cell, camera or other electronic equipment - that service will be provided.

All Saban-style cottages are individually decorated in nature themes, and offer private porches, and cozy hammocks.

Depending on the category choice of your cottage, you can choose from queen, full or twin bunk beds (some cottages can accommodate up to 4 guests). All cottages include kitchenette, sun shower, solar lighting and composting toilet - some with their own hot tub. There is also an on-site restaurant, natural pool and sauna.

At the altitude of the eco-lodge no air conditioning is needed - AND there are no mosquitoes!!

Cottage Category 1:
Winter: Double $95 +$10 per extra person
Summer: Double $75 +$10 per extra person

Cottage Category 2:
Winter: Double $105 +$10 per extra person
Summer: Double $85 +$10 per extra person

Cottage Category 3:
Winter: Double $115 +$10 per extra person
Summer: Double $95 +$10 per extra person

Nearby attractions and activities include: Scuba diving, snorkeling, Hiking, and bird watching.

courtesy caribbean.braveweblog.com