Lionfish continue to plague North Florida

Lionfish continue to show up in North Florida waters, most recently one was reported off the coast at Mexico beach, and that is not good news.   
Lionfish, which are native to the Indian and Pacific oceans, are voracious eaters and its feared that they could damage native recreational and commercial fish populations.
Fishermen should be able to recognize lionfish pretty easily if they catch one.
Lionfish have 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.
The poison is not fatal to humans, though it is supposed to be extremely painful, causing headaches, vomiting, and breathing difficulties.
If you happen to catch a lionfish while fishing in north Florida waters, there is a researcher who would like to know about it.
Dr. Jim Morris, an ecologist with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, is trying to collect 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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