Open AccessThe Role of Citizens in Detecting and Responding to a Rapid Marine Invasion
Author(s) -
Scyphers Steven B.,
Powers Sean P.,
Akins J. Lad,
Drymon J. Marcus,
Martin Charles W.,
Schobernd Zeb H.,
Schofield Pamela J.,
Shipp Robert L.,
Switzer Theodore S.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
conservation letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.153
H-Index - 79
ISSN - 1755-263X
DOI - 10.1111/conl.12127
Subject(s) - citizen science , fishery , reef , geography , marine protected area , environmental resource management , fish <actinopterygii> , marine reserve , scale (ratio) , environmental planning , ecology , habitat , environmental science , biology , cartography , botany
Documenting and responding to species invasions requires innovative strategies that account for ecological and societal complexities. We used the recent expansion of Indo‐Pacific lionfish ( Pterois volitans / miles ) throughout northern Gulf of Mexico coastal waters to evaluate the role of stakeholders in documenting and responding to a rapid marine invasion. We coupled an online survey of spearfishers and citizen science monitoring programs with traditional fishery‐independent data sources and found that citizen observations documented lionfish 1–2 years earlier and more frequently than traditional reef fish monitoring programs. Citizen observations first documented lionfish in 2010 followed by rapid expansion and proliferation in 2011 (+367%). From the survey of spearfishers, we determined that diving experience and personal observations of lionfish strongly influenced perceived impacts, and these perceptions were powerful predictors of support for initiatives. Our study demonstrates the value of engaging citizens for assessing and responding to large‐scale and time‐sensitive conservation problems.