UK OVERSEAS TERRITORIES CONSERVATION FORUM
Virtual Tours: British Virgin Islands
The Full Tour
Map
Introduction
Features of Natural Interest
Features of Other Interest, including Cultural
Threats / Problems / Issues
Projects / Conservation Actions
Opportunities
Organisations and Links
Tour Selection
Threats / Problems / Issues

The Pacific Lionfish has reached BVI waters. This aggressive predator threatens the coral reef ecosystem. Lionfish can eradicate 80% of the  juvenile fish populations in as little as five weeks. This removes the food source of other commercial species such as groupers and snappers, and also the herbivores that are important in protecting coral from algal growth. 

Lionfish


(Threats / Problems / Issues, 5 of 9 - Slide ref. 536)