NOAA researchers seek lionfish samples

If you happen to catch a lionfish while fishing in north Florida waters, there is a researcher who would like to know about it.
Lionfish, which are native to the Indian and Pacific oceans, have now been found in the Gulf of Mexico off North Florida.
Lionfish are voracious eaters and its feared that they could damage native recreational and commercial fish populations.
They should be pretty easy to recognize by their red and white stripes and fanlike fins that resemble a lion's mane.
They also have a tall row of spines that you need to be careful about because they are extremely poisonous.
If you should catch one of the fish, Dr. Jim Morris, and ecologist with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, is trying to collect 100 tissue samples from the fish.
You can reach Dr. Morris at James.Morris@NOAA.gov or call him at work at 252-728-8782.


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