Cumulative reports of lionfish (Pterois volitans/miles)
from Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database
These map layers are a compilation of lionfish sighting reports in North America from 1992 though 2008. It provides geographical and historical information to show distribution over space and time. The reports came from a variety of sources such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF) who were major contributors. 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.