Invasive Species

Lionfish caught in the park.

Image by Yasmeen Smalley

Invasive plants and animals occur as a result of deliberate or accidental introduction by humans. They are not natural components of ecosystems and have not evolved with the species native to the area. Without predators and other environmental factors to control their numbers, they get out of control and cause a variety of problems for native plants and animals. There are a number of invasive species in the park including lionfish, pictured in the adjacent image. For more information about invasive plants that occur in the park, click here, and for invasive animals, click here.