Lionfish Sightings Distribution

This map layer is a compilation of lionfish sighting reports in North America from 1992 through 2011 and is updated daily. It provides geographical and historical information to show distribution over space and time. The reports came from a variety of Federal, State, and municipal agencies, universities, public utilities, engineering and private consultant firms. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF) were major contributors of data. These data are intended for geographic display and analysis at the national level, and for large regional areas. Sightings were reported with varying levels of accuracy. Some of the reports were as latitude-longitude coordinates, and others by a description of the location from shore. The data should be displayed and analyzed at scales appropriate for 1:2,000,000-scale data. No responsibility is assumed by the U.S. Geological Survey in the use of these data. Acknowledgment of the U.S. Geological Survey would be appreciated in products derived from these data.

Lionfish locations are represented with larger red markers. Click on a marker for more information. See our Lionfish Fact Sheet. To REPORT an observation or collection of lionfish, click here.

References to non-U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) products do not constitute an endorsement by the DOI. By viewing the Google Maps API on this web site the user agrees to these TERMS of Service set forth by Google.