How many lionfish are in the Atlantic?
To answer this question, Paula’s team ventured up to 80 miles off the coast of North Carolina in the Research Vessel Cape Fear. In deep-water scuba gear, Paula’s team established transects, or survey lines, on the ocean bottom to estimate lionfish abundance. As the divers swam, they measured a predetermined distance using a tape measure. They recorded every lionfish they saw along each transect. In addition, they recorded the numbers of grouper and snapper, which potentially compete with lionfish for food and habitat. They used waterproof paper and pencils to record data, and hand signals to communicate. Later, Paula and her team will use these counts to estimate lionfish abundance in different habitats and locations. Another question that Paula and her team asked was: Does temperature limit the distribution of lionfish in the Atlantic? Wherever they counted lionfish, Paula’s team installed sensors to record water temperature. These sensors will record the temperature every 30 minutes
