Mark Hixon (University of Hawaii), Chris Stallings, and Tim Pusack (University of South Florida), supported by dive master Kevin Buch (University of Oregon), surveyed fishes on their long term (20+ year) study reefs in the region to determine whether lionfish populations have changed since 2012 (the group’s last year at the Lee Stocking Island research station). Lionfish populations have declined. In addition, they surveyed bicolor damselfish on their long-term study reefs to determine whether populations of this species have changed since 2012. Damselfish populations also have declined.
