Mapping Habitats of Lionfish in Fort Lauderdale

The canal system of South Florida has become a new distributive focus for the invasive Lionfish (Pterois volitans). Lionfish are considered a pest here, having up to 18 venomous spines that can inflict pain if stepped on or handled. These fish also eat a variety of juvenile species affecting the commercial and recreational fishing industry. The canal system in south Florida is also a center for recreational activities. Water land cover information will aid in species removal by offering species information to areas with a high percent of water land cover and who are more likely to come into contact with Lionfish. This research, comparing classification techniques to map water land cover, is the first step to mitigate the stronghold the lionfish have in South Florida. Once mapped, species information can then be distributed to residents that have close proximity to danger zones.