IINNVVAASSIIOONN ooff tthhee AALLIIEENN FFIISSHH A film by Tom Fitz Classroom Discussion Guide Middle School Version (Grades 6-8) Content created for Schoolyard Films, Inc. by Cypress Curriculum Services, LLC Film Overview "There is an invasion underway in the western Atlantic. An alien species has moved in, and our native marine habitat is under attack." Invasion of the Alien Fish focuses on the alarming expansion of the first non-native, invasive marine fish in the western Atlantic—the Indo-Pacific red lionfish. Since its introduction to Florida waters in the 1980's, lionfish have spread like wildfire across much of the Caribbean, Atlantic Coast of the U.S., and the Gulf of Mexico. These beautiful, but unwelcome, predators are eating their way across the region, resulting in devastating harm to already stressed coral reef ecosystems. With an engaging narrative and striking imagery, this informative 13-minute film profiles researchers, conservationists, and educators as they fulfill their unique roles in the fight against the lionfish invasion. Viewers will follow Mark Albins and Tim Pusack, researchers from Oregon State University, as they study the ecological consequences of the lionfish expansion in the Bahamas. Then at Coral Shores High School, film producer Tom Fitz works with science teacher David Makepeace and his inquisitive students to study lionfish feeding using high- speed cameras. Finally, the film takes viewers to the Reef Environmental Education Foundation's Lionfish Derby in the Florida Keys, where citizens participate in lionfish harvesting, collect specimens for scientific investigation, and enjoy tasty preparations of lionfish filets. Invasion of the Alien Fish serves as an excellent discussion starter and entry point for students to learn about not only the invasive lionfish, but also other invasive species currently impacting Florida's unique natural and economic resources. How to Use This Guide This guide can be used to supplement study of the Next Generation Sunshine State Science Standards, specifically alongside content such as scientific investigation, the processes and diversity of life, interactions between living organisms and their environments, and the impact of scientific knowledge and technology on communities, cultures and societies. The “student briefing” on pages 4-6 may be distributed to the class before or after viewing the film. Discussion questions are provided (page 8) for the teacher to use as springboards to stimulate classroom discussion or use them as writing prompts. A student research activity on Florida's invasive species is provided on pages 11-18. 2 National Standards Correlations Discussion Guide Element Unifying Science as Science in Life Science History and Concepts and Inquiry Personal and Nature of Processes Social Science Perspectives Invasive Species IQ Quiz Discussion Question #1 Discussion Question #2 Discussion Question #3 Discussion Question #4 Discussion Question #5 Discussion Question #6 Extension Activity: Five Card Food Chain Sunshine State Standards Correlations Discussion Guide Sunshine State Standards Element Grade 6 Grade 7 Grade 8 Invasive Species IQ Quiz SC.7.L.17.2, SC.7.L.17.3 SC.8.N.4.1, SC.8.N.4.2 Discussion Question #1 SC.7.L.17.2, SC.7.L.17.3 SC.7.L.17.1, SC.7.L.17.2, Discussion Question #2 SC.7.L.17.3 Discussion Question #3 SC.7.L.17.2, SC.7.L.17.3 SC.8.N.4.1, SC.8.N.4.2 Discussion Question #4 SC.7.L.17.3 Discussion Question #5 SC.7.L.17.3 SC.7.L.17.1, SC.7.L.17.2, Discussion Question #6 SC.6.L.15.1 SC.7.L.17.3 SC.8.N.4.1, SC.8.N.4.2 Extension Activity: Five Card SC.7.L.17.1, SC.7.L.17.2, Food Chain SC.7.L.17.3 3 IINNVVAASSIIOONN ooff tthhee AALLIIEENN FFIISSHH Student Briefing There are new intruders in the Atlantic Ocean, and they mean to stay. The unwelcome newcomers are lionfish—predator fish with big appetites. Scuba divers started spotting lionfish off the Florida coast in the mid-1980's. This was unusual, because lionfish are not native in the Atlantic—they are normally found in the Indian and Pacific Ocean. Scientists wondered if lionfish populations would How did lionfish get to grow. They also wondered if lionfish would eat too many native fish the Atlantic Ocean? on the coral reefs. Since then, the number of lionfish has grown. Lionfish are now found all over the Caribbean Sea and the U.S. Lionfish are popular aquarium pets. Unfortunately, careless pet coastline. In many areas, lionfish occur in very high numbers. owners released lionfish into the Atlantic. It is always a bad idea to Lionfish are unusual looking fish with reddish-brown and white release pets in the wild. stripes and long, beautiful fins. However, these fins are not just for looks--they contain venom! When a lionfish feels threatened by another animal, it points its spines toward the attacker. If pricked by a spine, the attacker will experience a painful sting. This is probably why very few animals eat lionfish. In addition to their powerful defense mechanism, lionfish have huge appetites. These hungry predators eat over 40 different species of fish and crustaceans. And lionfish eat these different types of animals in large numbers! Scientists found out that the lionfish gut stretches to nearly 30 times its initial size in order to fit a large meal. If an adult human's stomach stretched that The distribution of lionfish in the much, it would be the size of a suitcase! western Atlantic Ocean. Source: U.S. Geological Survey. Lionfish are the first non-native marine fish to start wild 2011 populations in Florida's coastal waters. However, this is not the 4 first time a species from another part of the world has made a new home in Florida. Modern trade helps all types of non-native species spread around the world. Planes and cargo ships make it Why do scientists worry easy to move species quickly from one continent to another. about lionfish? Before humans had modern transportation, it was hard for species to travel far from their native habitat. Lionfish eat large numbers of native fish. Eating so much prey may Most non-native species are not able to survive outside of their reduce biodiversity, leave little food native home. But some species have just the right adaptations to for native predators like snappers, survive in their new environment. If these non-native species and could cause some species to start to spread in the wild and harm the environment or our become extinct. economy, the species is called invasive. Examples of invasive species in the U.S. include Burmese pythons (Florida), zebra mussels (Great Lakes region), Indian mongoose (Hawaii), and water hyacinth (throughout the U.S.). How can I help? One of the best things you can do is You may ask, “Why are some non-native species harmful be a responsible pet owner. (invasive) while others are not?” Most of the time, invasive species get out of control because they no longer have to deal First, make sure you can care for with their natural enemies. These natural enemies may be your pet for its entire life. Ask predators, parasites, or diseases, which keep the species' yourself these questions: population in check "back home." If similar predators or diseases How big will the pet get? are not present in their new environment, the species has a big How much does it cost to care advantage. This leads to rapid growth of the population and for the pet? creates problems in the habitat they invade. What will I do if I can no longer care for the pet? A biologist makes Most importantly, never release observations of a your pet into the wild. Instead of lionfish in the releasing your pet, try to find it a Atlantic Ocean. new home. There are rescue groups By studying for many types of pets, and some lionfish, scientists pet shops allow you to return or donate your animal. In addition, the hope to discover ways to reduce Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation the harm caused Commission organizes pet adoption by this invasive days. Visit their website to find the species next pet adoption day near you. http://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/ 5 nonnatives/ What's Your Invasive Species IQ? Invasive species are a global problem. Nearly all the Earth's biomes are experiencing disturbances from human- caused introductions of non-native (alien) species. In addition to impacts to natural environments, invasive species cause harm to agriculture, infrastructure, and human health and safety. Take this brief quiz to determine your Invasive Species IQ. Then explore some of the provided web and other information resources to learn more about the problem of invasive species and how you can help. 1. Why are invasive species a problem? 6. What parts of the U.S. are affected by invasive species? a. some crowd out native species b. they can decrease biodiversity a. only tropical areas in Florida and c. some carry viruses and other diseases Hawaii d. A and B b. only the southeastern U.S. e. all of the above c. mostly coastal cities d. all regions of the U.S. 2. Which of the following terms is NOT 7. How do invasive species get to the U.S.? synonymous with non-native species? a. exotic species a. in the hulls of cargo ships b. alien species b. they begin as aquarium pets c. non-indigenous species c. they begin as ornamental plants d. invasive species d. B and C e. All of the above 3. True or False—Most invasive species are large 8.