File:GRNMS - Diver Is Bill Goodwin From FKNMS (30852347543).jpg

I spy with my little eye, an opportunity to benefit reef ecosystem health! In July of 2016, a dive team photographing Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary spotted a number of invasive Indo-Pacific lionfish in the sanctuary. And while these invasive fish are beautiful, they face few predators and little competition in their non-native environment. Voraciously eating up fish and crustaceans nearly unopposed, over the past several decades lionfish have caused significant damage in reef ecosystems in the Atlantic. To help protect native species and preserve the benefits native species provide to reefs in the region, we can remove (and selectively eat!) invasive species like the lionfish. Simple dietary choices can make a big impact in protecting the health of our environment!