the Coney Island Park. And the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Parks warns that the fish are not safe to eat.

"Alarmingly, there have been cases of interference with experiments taking place on the site, by people apparently bent on eating fish which are the subjects of the experiments. These fish are involved in a major research initiative which involves treating the groupers involved with hormones -- pharmaceuticals which are hazardous if consumed.'' The fish thefts are among a number of incidents at the Coney Island Park in recent weeks. Quantities of ice have also disappeared after break-ins at the site and Fisheries' vessels have been vandalised.

"Anyone found trespassing on the Fisheries facility will be prosecuted,'' the Department said this week.

Although the facility is not manned 24 hours a day, park rangers operate every day of the week and are at Coney Island on a regular basis.