A report suggesting native fish could deal with the Island’s growing lionfish problem isn’t likely to bear out in Bermuda, according to an expert.Coral scientists from the group Future of Reefs in a Changing Environment (Force) said groupers in Bahamas have eaten enough of the lionfish to keep the species in check.However Chris Flook of the Bermuda Aquarium said the findings were unlikely to be replicated here.“I know for a fact that black groupers have been caught in Bermuda with lionfish in their stomachs,” Mr Flook said.“And in Cayman I saw that sharks and groupers will take lionfish now and then.“However, movement is what attracts these predators. Lionfish behaviour is to stay very still on the reef, unless something spooks them for some reason. I don’t think grouper will keep them in check here in Bermuda. I think humans will be the top predator and that other predation will be minimal, although that could change with time.”Meanwhile, he said, the lionfish are “definitely becoming more common” in local waters.“There are a few things in our benefit that have allowed us to weather the storm for a while,” said Mr Flook. “Our reef platform gives us a lot of coverage, and our inshore temperatures drop below 64F in the winter, which is cold enough to stop lionfish from feeding. They move out to a band of deeper water at 300ft to 400ft. Lobster traps out in the deeper water are getting a lot of lionfish. They’re attracted to the traps because it’s like a little cave for them.”Government has encouraged Bermuda’s lobster fishermen to collect the captured fish, and sell them on as food.Useful website: www.plosone.org.