Predator Extends Range Upstream
Vita TV - vitasapien.org/tv<br /><br />Florida Teen Makes Lionfish Discovery<br /><br />A Florida teen has made an exciting discovery that has marine science experts scratching their heads. <br /><br />Lauren Arrington spotted a lionfish in the Loxahatchee River, somewhere they are not supposed to be. <br /><br />A marine species that has invaded Florida coastlines, Lionfish are wreaking havoc on marine life by eating everything in their path.<br /><br />Lionfish are highly prized for home aquariums, and many are deliberately released into the sea where they have become a dominant species at the expense of the native fish.<br /><br />Lionfish had not been observed in fresh water before, so Lauren decided to do some science to confirm her discovery.<br /><br />As part of a school science fair, the sixth-grader set up multiple tanks containing Lionfish.<br /><br />Starting with sea water, she progressively decreased the salinity until the water was fresh. <br /><br />All the while, she monitored the fish, taking meticulous notes.<br /><br />The experiment confirmed her theory that Lionfish could survive comfortably in freshwater.<br /><br />Subsequent experiments by professional marine scientists reaffirmed the results.<br /><br />This discovery is important for environmental managers who know that the range of this destructive animal is much greater than first thought.<br /><br />Vita Sapien believes that this is an excellent news story that demonstrates a Vitan in action.<br /><br />In Vita-speak, a Vitan is someone who loves nature, trusts science and is in action to make things better.<br /><br />The story highlights the important role that the scientific method plays in helping us to understand the world around us. <br /><br />By making the commitment to a thorough science experiment Lauren helped draw attention to the dangers of invasive species. <br /><br />And finally, the success of the experiment and the subsequent media attention has likely helped to cement marine science as a part of Lauren’s spiritual core, something that gives her meaning and inner peace. <br /><br />For Vita Sapien, science and spirituality sit comfortably together as they help us understand the world around and within us.<br /><br />vitasapien.org