Red Lionfish, Pterois volitans. My mission as an artist is to take my viewer on a thought-provoking journey into the Underwater Realm. The medium of digital underwater photography challenges the eye and brain to perceive the familiar and unfamiliar in extraordinary ways. I have chosen this image of a Red Lionfish (Pterois volitans) as it relates to the theme of this show. The lionfish is an invasive species which is destroying reef fish populations throughout the Atlantic, Gulf and Caribbean regions. The red lionfish has been identified as a significant invasive species and comprises 93% of invasive fish species off the east coast of the US and in the Caribbean. The lionfish invasion is considered to be one of the most serious threats to Florida coral reef ecosystems. Efforts are underway to control lionfish populations utilizing education, spearfishing and use of lionfish on restaurant menus. I hope to increase awareness of our natural resources and promote conservation of our precious oceans through my art.