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WnoIle an army of scientists and concerned amateurs shrimp,crabs,gray snapper,tarpon,snook and grunts.Many of
<br /> has been looking for ways to control this invasion, these start their life in the lagoon and then migrate to the ocean.
<br /> one has had much luck.Meanwhile,the deceiv- Researchers have already discovered sexually mature lionfish
<br /> ingly beautiful predator continues to broaden its range. Indeed, in the lagoon,which may mean they are residing there full time.
<br /> the well-fed lionfish Beal is dissecting was one of many caught "Phis tells us the lionfish are probably staying within the estuary
<br /> in the Indian River Lagoon.The first lionfish was spotted in the to breed and set up a resident population," says Beal. The in-
<br /> 156-mile lagoon in 2008 and there have been more than 600 con- waders are attracted to man-made structures such as docks and
<br /> firmed sightings and captures since then, seawalls and also gather around the roots of mangrove trees,im-
<br /> "The fact that they've moved into the lagoon from the ocean portant nurseries for lots of native Indian River Lagoon species.
<br /> is a big deal,"says Beal as he removes some of the fat from the Beal and others believe the juvenile residents and larvae
<br /> specimen on his laboratory counter in front of him."They've dec- found in the lagoon should be easy pickings for the predatory'
<br /> imated native populations of fish,shrimp and crabs in the ocean. lionfish.""that's very scam,"says Beal.To reinforce Itis point,he
<br /> If we don't find a wap to control them, there's a good chance opens a cabinet drawer and pulls out a dozen or so small glass
<br /> they'll do similar damage in the lagoon." specimen bottles and sets them next to.the gutted lionfish. Each
<br /> That's doubly alarming because the Indian River Lagoon is a bottle contains a fish or shellfish that was found in the stomach
<br /> home and nursery environment for more than 700 species of fish of a lionfish.
<br /> and shellfish,including economically important varieties such as "All of these come from lionfish we've caught in the Indian
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