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Why does government take so long to respond to crises? The Lionfish, Pterosis volitans, is believed to have been introduced between eighteen and ten years ago, possibly off of North Carolina or Florida, either by accident or by release. Regardless of how they arrived in non-native waters, the species has since taken a firm hold with a range that extends to the Bahamas and Caribbean. They've been documented from as far north as New York, and east to Bermuda. According to MSNBC, Florida officials are concerned about the "sudden appearance" of these fishes. Sudden? Check out this map of the documented sighting in the Keys alone. So, they are enlisting the help of lobster divers to help eradicate the fishes from the area in a two-day spree. Two days? From what I know, it will take a full-out war to reverse its spread. However, each dead female Lionfish prevents up to possible 15,000 eggs from dispersal. So, go for it Florida divers!
This Just In!
Who knew Lionfish make good fare?
I remember someone giving a talk on the lionfish invading florida at a conference I went to when I started my PhD. That was eight years ago!!!
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