A new “invasive species” of marine life may be on its way to the Mediterranean – one that is both attractive as well as unpleasant – and even poisonous. Known as the Lionfish or Pterois Miles, this colorful and exotic looking fish has already invaded both the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean. It is now becoming quite common as far north as the American state of North Carolina, and is competing with other forms of marine life for food.

The seas and oceans of our planet are full of unpleasant marine creatures; including tiny by highly venomous Irudandji jellyfish  which recently killed two Australian eco-bloggers off Western Australia’s beachfront.

Other unpleasant sea creatures include certain species of phytoplankton which under certain climatic conditions cause a condition known as Red Tide that can kill thousands of fish and other forms of marine life.

While the Mediterranean Sea does not have such deadly creatures as the Irukandji jellyfish, it definitely does have its share of common jellyfish which literally invade Eastern Mediterranaean coastal areas during June and July and have clogged up the intake pipes of desalination plants.

Simon Nemtzov, Coordinator for International Treaties and Scientific Authority for the CITES Convention, notified Green Prophet about recent Lionfish sightings in the Eastern Mediterranean, with specimens caught off Lebanon.

Nemtzov, who is connected with Israel’s Nature and Parks Authority (NPA), forwarded an article that appeared in the Mediterranean Marine Science website, dealing with this fish species that is native to the Indian Ocean and Red Sea.

Although not yet seen in large numbers in the Mediterranean, this fish species is characterized by its mane – like fins and poisonous venom that can cause violent reactions in humans unlucky enough to be “finned” by one of these fish.

People who are allergic to bee stings and other similar poisons are especially vulnerable. The lionfish is a voracious predator and feeds on a variety of marine life, especially crustaceans.

Upon contacting Nemtzov, he told Green Prophet that so far this fish species is not yet considered to be threatening to the Mediterranean; and that it probably entered the Mediterranean via the Suez Canal, like many other ‘foreign’ marine species. Nemtzov saw the report and decided that it was worth mentioning to ecological organizations and news sites in Israel and elsewhere.

One of his colleagues, Ruth Yahel, a marine ecologist also with the NPA, told Green Prophet that so far she has not  seen or heard much about this fish species being present in the Eastern Mediterranean but will “keep a lookout for it.”

Along with this, we suggest that our readers keep a lookout for it too.

Read more on invasive, dangerous and toxic marine life species:

Spring Festival is in Egyptian Air, Marked by Petrified, Stinky Toxic Fish

Red Tide Blooms Threatens Gulf of Oman, Shut Down Kalba Desalinization Plants

Venomous Irukandji Jellyfish Kills Eco Bloggers

Jellyfish Attack on Israel Power Plant a Clear Sign of Global Warming?

Frontal view of Lionfish by Wikipedia

The post Venomous Lionfish Set to Invade the Mediterranean – Are You Ready? appeared first on Green Prophet.

Comprised of an above water disc connected to an underwater disc by five legs, a vertical shaft, lift and stairway, the Water Discus hotel “willl allow guests to admire the depths of the ocean while making the most of the warm climate,” according to Deep Ocean Technology, the project’s designer.

This new development follows on the heels of the Hydropolis project that was sunk in 2009 when a financial crisis caused an exodus of expatriates and their investment dollars. But now it seems that Dubai is beginning to recover and has learned absolutely nothing about the impact of too much intervention on the Gulf’s fragile ecosystem. Step in for more renders of this crazy underwater hotel and let us know, should it be built?

“If any changes in environmental or economic conditions occur, the Water Discus modules can be transferred to a different place,” according to Deep Ocean Technology. “This offers a unique opportunity to live underwater on a permanent basis with unlimited options to change locations. The mobility makes changes in interior design of a hotel much easier, as any disc can be detached and replaced with a new one,” they add.

DOT claims that Water Disqus hotels can be constructed anywhere in the world and that they will be custom designed in accordance with the local environment – including the shape of the coastal line and depth of water around the coral reef. They make no claims, as far as we can tell, to have consulted marine specialists about the impact such a development would have on various coral reefs or the creatures that call then home.

“A single Water Discus is an independent structure with a usable area of approximately 1000 m2 fully equipped to ensure a high level of safety and comfort. It can serve as an individual module – a component of a bigger complex,” writes DOT. These can then be expanded to create larger complexes, which – as far as we are concerned – would be absolutely disastrous.

And what about natural disasters, you might ask? DOT seems to have taken into consideration the possibility that these hotels might be  developed in areas prone to tsunamis and insist that they will be completely safe in such an event. “The structure sits up on five sturdy legs fixed to the seabed, and the upper disc is suspended above the water surface. These two technical solutions will ensure that Water Discus remains safe even in the event of a fairly high tsunami, which can normally flood the nearest coastal areas.”

And what about claustrophobia? For some people, being stuck in an underwater space might be as uncomfortable as crawling through a cave, but DOT suggests that the view of the sky prevents this from happening. Although they don’t seem to have conducted any environmental impact assessments, they have gone through rigorous safety evaluations.

“The design, construction and technical condition of the complex are under permanent supervision of an international classification organisation with experience in the field of building and operation of boats, ships, offshore structures and professional diving systems,” according to the company.” The hotel meets safety standards of local and international organizations and promises a deluxe sensory experience like no other.

For the sake of our already over-stressed marine systems, we hope like hey that this project never sees the light of day.

Images courtesy Deep Ocean Technology

More on Dubai’s Underwater Madness:

Hydropolis Underwater Hotel in Dubai Still Sunk

Underwater Hotel Plans Revived in Dubai

The post Dubai’s Underwater Hotel by Deep Ocean Technology (PICS) appeared first on Green Prophet.