Native fish species have evolved over time to counter threats of bacteria, fungus, disease, and other native predatory species.  By adapting to the gradually changing environment, many of the species present today have became extremely robust in dealing with external pressures.  Until fairly recently though, native U.S. fish species have had little reason to adapt to the habits and threats of other species half way across the globe.  Now, with the addition of new species to U.S. waters, fish and plants have new challenges that they are not equipped to handle.

Recently, the Associated Press, has published information concerning the introduction of red lionfish from the Indian Ocean, into the coastal waters of Florida and the Caribbean.  Though a magnificent looking marine fish, the red lionfish population is beginning to swell and create problems for smaller native reef fish.  With poisonous spines and a voracious appetite, lionfish will consume any fish and crustaceans small enough to fit inside its mouth.

Not only is the lionfish a disaster for local marine life, the sting from the poison spines can be extremely painful for any person unlucky enough to get in its way.  This poison is a great defense for the fish, as very few larger species are able to consume the red lion, and rarely will a predator make the mistake twice.

Fisherman and divers in areas experiencing an increase of red lionfish, are being encouraged to catch and report any sightings.  These actions may help to control the outbreak, but it is very unlikely to have a profound effect on the numbers.

Since water quality and composition varies greatly around the world’s oceans, with the exception of the red lionfish, marine animals rarely become a problem that cannot be controlled by natural processes.  On the other hand, fresh bodies of water are much more susceptible to damage by “out-of-town” animals.

Salmon along the Snake and Columbia rivers, are quickly declining in population due to non-native species consuming large amounts of the food sources and eggs.  The spread of parasites is also of great concern.

Quite ironically, the bass and walleye causing these problems, were introduced by biologists to provide a better environment for sport fisherman. Since recreational fishing provides funding in the form of licensing and taxes, stocking these game fishes was not thought to cause harm. Now, efforts to reduce the number of these game fish, have proven unsuccessful. The rate of reproduction out numbers any progress made my biologists and anglers to decrease the numbers of bass and walleye.

These new species are very well tailored to life within new reservoirs created by hydro electric dams.  While bass, shad, and walleye flourish in the large open waters, salmon prefer the swift flowing waters of rivers and streams.

While developing ways to create clean energy and new opportunities, we must be sensitive to the outcomes of any changes made to the current surrounding habitats. Though hydro power is an abundant source of power, and man made reservoirs can increase the volume of water for fish and crustaceans, not all animals are effected the same. When non-native species find local waters well suited to their survival, many native species can be lost in the transition. Proper research and a little bit of restraint will help to keep native species thriving. Most of these situations can be avoiding by following local laws and regulations governing the release of non-native species into water sources.

In Rio De Janeiro, Brazil more than 400 baby penguins have been found dead along the shore. Penguins from Antarctica are being swept from their shores and deposited further north along the South American coast. Strong ocean currents have always brought penguins here but never in the heavy numbers of the past two months.

Local scientists and veterinarians site a number of reasons for the hundreds of dead and dying penguins that they are seeing. The largest oil field in Brazil, Campos, lies just offshore and contributes to a number of penguins that arrive covered in oil. Many believe that pollution is causing these young penguins to become weak. The baby penguins do not have the power to swim against the growing strength of the Antarctica waters. Pollution further destroys the immune system and makes these animals more susceptible to bacteria and disease.

Over-fishing may also play a part. Penguins are being forced further and further to find food. Venturing far from home is causing these penquins to become victims of ocean turbulence. Global warming is also being blamed. The effect on ocean waters is causing greater frequency and magnitude of ocean storms. According to Dee Boersma, a University of Washington zoology professor, shifting ocean currents and temperatures are keeping sardines, anchovies and squid further north causing the penguins to travel further. Starving penguins are common and mothers are having to leave their nests to find food.

Penguins that can be saved are brought to the Niteroi Zoo and nursed back to health. The government regularly returns the Penguins to Antarctica. The military is used to airlift the penquins back south.

Once again the islands off of Louisiana are in jeopardy due to Hurricane Katrina and following storms.  Extreme winds and rising water levels are washing away huge sections of this important series of islands.  With the decrease in vegetation on the island, erosion carries away the sand, effectively carving out the islands and returning them to the sea. 

These islands and marshes are important for many reasons.  The extensive wildlife, both land and sea, call these islands home.  A variety of birds including the Brown Pelican make their nests among the green vegetation.  Fish and other marine animals feed and live within the shallows.  Without the shallow waters and plant life, these animals must move on.  The Louisiana wetlands support a billion dollar fishing industry.  These islands serve a very important function in nature also.  With the Chandeleur and Breton sounds pouring into the gulf, these islands and dunes protect the sea from the muddy waters and the mainland from powerful storms.

Restoration is needed again to protect these areas from future hurricanes, erosion, and high waters.  Storms have battered these islands for quite some time, but they have since been able to repair themselves between storms. Records of the 1890′s detail the effects on the islands.  The magnitude and frequency is destroying any hope for self repair in our lifetime.  Past restoration projects have been successful in planting vegetation to control erosion and create self-building opportunities.  Due to the drastic changes that have taken place recently, more money is needed to fully repair the wetlands.  It already may be to late to save certain areas, which makes saving all we can much more important.

View more information and news releases on Louisiana barrier wetlands and Chandeleur Island.