Scuba Diving Blog

The Red Lion fish, native of the Western Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean, has been growing in population in the Atlantic Ocean.  The Red Lion fish is a member of the scorpion fish family and protects itself through its venomous spines.

Scientists believe the fish was released from household pets as they overgrew the tanks.  (Sound familiar to those in south Florida dealing with Iguanas, boa constrictors and other non-native animals?)   

The Red Lion fish has been growing in population from Massachusetts down to West Palm Beach and is especially prevalent in the Bahamas.  Since there is no known predator to the fish, scientists are doing research to find out how to control the population. 

Scientists have found large quantities of reef fish and crustaceans in the stomachs of these fish.  Everything from shrimp, seahorses, to a juvenile grouper is fare game to these fish.  They will eat anything that fits in their mouths.

If you would like to find out more about the efforts that are being made to control this species, visit www.reef.org/programs/exotic

If you are going to be in the Key West area, or want to take a trip, the Vandenberg is scheduled to be sunk off the coast on May 15th to create an artificial reef.

I am in no way an expert on the military or this ship, but I have found some information on the history of this ship.

The USS Vandenberg is over 520 feet long and weights approximately 13,000 tons.  Originally commissioned by the US Navy under the name USS/USNS General Harry Taylor, the ship was used in 1944 to transport troops in WWII. 

The US Air Force converted the General Harry Taylor to a Missile Range Instrumentation ship and renamed it the USAFS General Hoyt S. Vandenberg in 1963.

In 1983, the ship was sent to Maritime Administration MARAD Reserve Fleet, James River, VA. 

In 1996, Universal Studios leased it to film the movie “Virus” 

 Plans are being made in Key West to host a “Sink Week” celebration along with the sinking of this ship. 

Read more about Key West’s “Sink Week”  at http://www.keywest.com/vandenberg.htm