Zack Jud is a doctoral candidate in Marine Biology at Florida International University in Miami (and an avid recreational diver).  Zack's research focuses on a variety of human interactions in marine systems.  A major component of his work involves identifying the impacts of invasive lionfish in the western Atlantic and Caribbean.  Zack documented the first known estuarine intrusion of invasive lionfish (here in our very own Loxahatchee River), and is currently conducting experiments to identify lionfish diets, growth rates, and movement patterns in Florida waters.

On May 5th, Zack will present his ongoing lionfish research, outlining the history of the lionfish invasion in the Atlantic and Caribbean, identifying potential factors that may have allowed the species to become so successful outside of their native range, and discussing the future of lionfish in our waters.  A number of myths and misconceptions regarding the lionfish invasion will be addressed, including common theories regarding control and eradication.