Florida

L AKEWATCH Dedicated to Sharing Information About Water Management and the LAKEWATCH Program Volume 62 (2013)

Why is My Lake Turning Dark?

Florida LAKEWATCH founder Dan Canfield (right) with new LAKEWATCH Director Mark Hoyer in the Florida LAKEWATCH laboratory.

Submitted photograph from LAKEWATCH volunteer Colored water in the outflow from a coastal dune lake in the Florida Panhandle.

With the return of more normal XX (summer 2012) or in greater de- It turns out that rainfall patterns rainfall patterns this last summer, tail in the LAKEWATCH Circular 104. were largely the culprit. While look- volunteers and citizens have been However, it may also change over a ing at Figure 1, notice that for sev- calling us with concerns about the period of years, based on regional eral years prior to each event, color color of their lake. climate patterns. For example, in concentrations were low. Due to a 1991 and again in 1998, residents of marked lack of rainfall, there was Most people who have been fortu- lake Santa Fe in Alachua and Brad- less of an opportunity for tannins nate enough to live on or near a ford Counties, were alarmed to see and other dissolved substances to Florida lake for a long period of time the color of the water change from will tell you that the color of their clear green, with a color measure- lake seems to change seasonally. ment of 15 PCU, to a dark reddish The reasons for these seasonal brown, with color values exceeding changes have been discussed in Vol. 40 PCU (see Figure 1). 1 Lake Santa Fe Rainfall 05/2012 – 04/2013 = 56.49 inches

120

Rainfall 04/2011 – 04/2012 = 29.25 inches 100

80 Cobalt Units (PCU) - 60

40

20 Color in Platinum 0 Jul-04 Jul-07 Jan-06 Jun-10 Oct-97 Oct-98 Feb-94 Feb-95 Sep-89 Sep-90 Sep-91 Sep-92 Sep-95 Apr-97 Apr-09 Sep-96 Apr-98 Aug-93 Aug-94 Aug-12 Nov-99 Nov-00 Nov-01 Nov-02 Nov-11 Mar-90 Mar-91 Mar-92 Mar-93 May-99 May-00 May-01 May-02 May-03 May-13 Mar-96 Date

Figure 1. Color measurements (PCU) over time (1989 – 2013) from Lake Santa Fe in Alachua/Bradford Counties. wash or seep into the lake. As a re- of rain for the 13 month time period. Of course, not everything is this easy sult, Lake Santa Fe became fairly In April 2012 the color value in Lake to explain, but in Florida if a lake clear and stayed that way from Santa Fe had dropped to 18 PCU. should happen to change from green about 1989 to 1991 and again from From May 2012 till April 2013 to a brown color, there’s a good 1996 through mid-1998. Gainesville received 56.49 inches of chance it is related to rainfall pat- rain (in the 11 month time period) terns. However, once the drought events and the color in Lake Santa Fe in- were over and north Central Florida creased to above 70 PCU. was back to its normal pattern of heavy afternoon thunder showers, rain water quickly began to flood the dying vegetation around the lake and surrounding swamp. This re- sulted in the release of dissolved substances into the lake.

Within a few months, the lake was tea-colored (PCU > 40) once again. The same scenario occurred for lake Grasshopper, in Lake County, with an even greater effect on Secchi depth (i.e., after heavy rains, Secchi depth measurements went from 12 feet to less than three).

We are now seeing that pattern once again. The rainfall totals in Gainesville (the largest city located near Lake Santa Fe) from April 2011 to April 2012 were only 29.25 inches Florida LAKEWATCH The Stick Marsh and Farm 13 reservoir in has an average color reading over 70 PCU. 2

Apalachicola Bay Oyster Situation Report

Contributors to this report: Karl Havens, Mike Allen, Traci Irani, Angela Lindsey, Andrew Kane, David Kimbro, Steve Otwell, Bill Pine, Carl Walters and Ed Camp.

Florida Sea Grant

In the previous article we saw how chicola National Estuarine Research Re- and the number of reported oyster har- drought can affect the watercolor in serve (Florida DEP) and Northwest Flor- vesting trips also dropped off each freshwater lakes. Now we will take a ida Water Management District, as well month during the second half of that look at how drought can affect coastal as field, experimental, and community year. estuaries. The following is the Executive data collected by the authors, who are Summary from the Apalachicola Bay reporting in their capacity as members • The 2012 decline in oyster landings Oyster Situation Report. of the UF Oyster Recovery Team. and recruitment (the number of new oysters reaching a size/age where they This report summarizes efforts con- Findings represent a viable target for the com- ducted through the University of Florida • discharge levels are mercial fishery) of juvenile oysters is Oyster Recovery Team, in collaboration strongly influenced by rainfall over the unprecedented during the period of with various stakeholders, to describe Apalachicola Chattahoochee- Flint River data analyzed and has likely involved conditions in Apalachicola Bay prior to Basin. The lower part of this basin was recruitment failure or high mortality of and after a historic collapse of the oys- frequently classified by the National small oysters. ter fishery. The report characterizes Integrated Drought Information System conditions in the bay, reviews possible as in an 'exceptional drought' during the • Fisheries independent monitoring causes for the fishery collapse, and out- last three years. data, collected by state agencies, indi- lines a plan for future monitoring, re- cates a general downward trend in search and fishery management. Con- • Water quality data indicate that 2012 abundance of legal-sized (3 inch or clusions in this report are based on was a year of high salinity at all monitor- larger) oysters in the bay in recent years analyses of data collected in historical ing stations in the bay likely caused by and a large decline in sub-legal (smaller monitoring programs conducted by the low river flows and limited local rainfall than 3 inches) oysters present in 2012. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation in most months. Because of the low abundance of sub- Commission, Florida Department of Ag- • A large decline in oyster landings was legal oysters in 2012 there is a high like- riculture and Consumer Services, Apala- reported after August 2012 in the bay, 3 lihood that legal-sized oysters will be in needs to be expanded in its spatial ex- fishing is unknown, and the degree to low abundance in 2013 and likely in tent to include all of the bay where oys- which this area is the source of the oys- 2014 as well. ter bars occur, including areas that are ter spat for the entire bay also is un- closed to fishing, because these may known. If this area is small or declining, • The current size limit of 3 inches ap- represent important sources of oyster then large-scale oyster relay from these pears to be effective at reducing the risk spat (attached oyster larvae). closed areas to areas open to fishing of "growth overfishing" where yield may reduce the total spat available (pounds of meat harvested) is reduced • Oysters should be included on the list throughout Apalachicola Bay, increasing because oysters are harvested at too of invertebrate species routinely as- the risk of “recruitment overfishing” small a size. However, it is essential that sessed by Fish and Wildlife Research where harvests of adults could influence this size limit be accepted by the com- Institute (FWRI) stock assessment staff. availability of future spat. munity, adopted by the industry, and These assessments can identify persis- enforced by regulatory agencies and the tent uncertainties in oyster ecology or • Therefore, the practice of ‘relaying’ county judicial system. population status and help guide re- should be carefully evaluated in regard search such as the relationship between to its short-term benefits versus poten- • Substantial future harvesting of sub- Apalachicola River flows and juvenile tial longer-term negative impacts to the legal oysters could have negative effects oyster survival rate or culling fishery—in other words, whether or not not only on oyster populations but also mortality. it is depleting a substantive portion of a serious impact on the national reputa- the source population of oyster spat. tion of Apalachicola oysters as a high- Management and Restoration quality seafood product. • Acceptance by the community and • Management actions such as shell industry, and enforcement and adjudi- planting could expedite the recovery of • Oysters, white shrimp, brown shrimp, cation of rules regarding size limits, spa- Apalachicola Bay oyster resources. blue crab and multiple finfish species tial restrictions, and weekly and sea- However, a new modeling tool called have been analyzed for the presence of sonal closures is essential for these ECOSPACE, brought forward by the UF oil residue. All samples were either b e- measures to be effective in sustaining Oyster Recovery Team, suggests that low the limits of detection or below the oyster population. shell planting needs to be conducted at quantifiable limits. Thus, based on a considerably greater scale than cur- analyses conducted so far, there is no • Throughout our work on this project rent levels to be effective— evidence of chemical contamination there were persistent reports of high approximately 200 acres per year for a from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in levels of unreported harvest and illegal 5-year period. A very important uncer- the seafood sampled from Apalachicola harvest from closed areas. While tangi- tainty is whether shell planting should Bay. ble evidence of illegal activity is not concentrate large amounts of shell in available, it is clear from our simulation small areas to create thick layers of shell • A large percentage of oysters in the models that lack of compliance with or whether shell should be spread over bay have some degree of shell parasit- current regulations could greatly reduce larger areas but not in as thick a shell ism by clams, polychaete worms (tube- the likelihood of Apalachicola Bay oyster layer. Restoration should be done in a worms, sandworms, bristleworms), populations returning to historic popula- manner that provides information on sponges or other organisms. This para- tion levels, regardless of management efficacy and cost-effectiveness of differ- sitism negatively affects the integrity action taken. ent shelling strategies, including evalu- and aesthetics of the oyster shell, the ating different densities of shelling and overall growth and productivity of the • Oyster leases should be explored as a different kinds of shell material. oysters, and the economic value of possible alternative to open-access fish- product bound for the half -shell market. eries. The concept of TURF (Territorial • A participatory decision-making proc- There are no historic data to compare User Rights Fisheries) as a lease ar- ess, involving SMARRT (the Seafood degree of shell parasitism observed in rangement could be appealing to oyster Management Assistance Resource and 2012 -2013. fishermen and help promote restoration Recovery Team), relevant state agencies actions such as re-shelling because the and experts from the state university Recommendations fishermen would benefit directly from system is needed to support long-term Monitoring the restoration activities they were en- management of the oyster fishery in a • There is a need to continue the moni- gaged in by having a “share” of the re- more robust manner. The ECOSPACE toring of oysters in Apalachicola Bay, stored area (the lease) to manage and model could further support members both in terms of tracking landings re- harvest from. of SMARRT and management agencies ported by oystermen, and in the sam- to screen different policy or restoration pling done by state agencies. The fisher- • The total current area of oyster bar in alternatives. ies independent monitoring program Apalachicola Bay that is not open to 4

Research • Research is needed to identify an op- timal approach for monitoring long -term settlement, juvenile and adult survival, productivity, health, mortality, oyster diseases, and product quality of oysters. Subsequently this information could be used to inform changes in the oyster monitoring program.

• Research is needed to quantify how oyster population dynamics, product quality and the fishery are affected by interactions between river flow, nutri-

ents, salinity, harvesting intensity and restoration methods.

• There is a need to assess the harvest-

ing practices of the oystermen and how Florida Sea Grant they respond to changes in oyster Oysters should be included on the list of invertebrate species routinely assessed by Fish and abundance. Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) stock assessment staff community about bay stewardship. from UF/IFAS, and limited support from • The ECOSPACE model has additional Florida Sea Grant and from the National functionality to identify effects of vary- The Future Institute of Environmental Health Sci- ing flow regimes and to screen flow al- The situation in Apalachicola Bay, as ences. If we are truly committed to the ternatives, relative to Apalachicola Bay outlined in the pages of this report, restoration of the bay, we can’t stop oyster population dynamics and harvest highlights a series of interwoven here. There is a critical need for follow- potential when the model is linked with ecologic, fisheries, and community con- up work, bringing together state and the Apalachicola Basin River Model cur- cerns. The bay is a national treasure, federal agencies, academic researchers, rently being used by the Apalachicola- and its demise would sever critical links and the community, to look out over a Chattahoochee-Flint River Stakeholders among our modern society, nature and 5-, 10-, and 20-year time scale, to con- Group. our heritage. Work to date is a starting duct interventions, do the necessary point toward understanding the proc- research, and monitor outcomes. This Outreach and Education esses underlying the current crisis, and will require a strong leadership struc- • A community-based outreach and includes steps that can and should be ture and it will cost money. The ques- education program is needed to foster taken in initial efforts to restore the bay. tion remains as to whether we, as a so- actions consistent with supporting a However, if we are truly committed to ciety, are willing to make this invest- sustainable bay ecosystem and econ- bringing the bay back to a point even ment of time, and money, to preserve omy. close to its former productivity, a great this priceless natural resource for our • Involvement of oyster harvesters and deal of work is still required. These stud- lifetime, and the lifetimes of our chil- processers in research and restoration ies and analyses were conducted on a dren. projects can aid in educating the entire shoestring budget with internal funds

This publication was supported by the National Sea Grant College Program of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administra- tion (NOAA), Grant No. NA10-OAR4170079. The views expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of these organizations. Additional copies are available by contacting Florida Sea Grant, University of Florida, PO Box 110409, Gainesville, FL, 32611- 0409, (352) 392.2801, www.flseagrant.org

5

Florida LAKEWATCH

The first thing you should know is that, with the exception of Antarctica, this amoeba is believed to exist in virtually every lake and river around the world. Amoebas in Lakes With the recent death of a 12 With that said, there are a few The cyst permits the amoeba to year old south Florida boy we de- precautions swimmers can take overwinter in the lakes. The flag- cided to reacquaint our to decrease their chances of ex- ellate is the mobile form that can LAKEWATCH family with the posure even more. move from one place to another. aquatic amoeba (Naegleria fowl- The trophozoite is the feeding eri) with a bad reputation. Of 128 The first thing you should know is form that is infectious. known cases in the United States that, with the exception of Ant- past half-century, just two pa- arctica, this amoeba is believed So, How Does One Avoid the tients have survived, according to to exist in virtually every lake and Amoeba? the Centers for Disease Control river around the world. It is also The best way to prevent expo- and Prevention. Fortunately, the found in spas, hot tubs, thermally sure to Naegleria is to avoid stir- chances of coming in contact enriched waters and poorly chlo- ring up bottom sediments, as this with Naegleria, or contracting rinated swimming pools. So, if is where the amoeba lives and the resulting illness (Primary you’re thinking of simply avoiding feeds on bottom sediments com- Amoebic Meningoencephalitis— these aquatic environments, you posed of fallen leaves and dead PAM, for short) are quite slim. might get a little lonely. plants. Once sediments are mixed into the water column, the In Florida, health officials esti- What is an amoeba? amoeba could be forced up the mate that there is only one case Several types of free living amoe- nose of a swimmer who jumps or for every 2.5 million hours that bas are found in soils, but only falls into the water. This increases people spend in freshwater. certain species cause disease. the chance for it to enter into an Drowning and boating accidents Nagleria is one of those species. ear or nasal passage where it can pose a much greater threat to It has three life forms, including follow the olfactory nerve and our state’s water enthusiasts. cyst, trophozoite and flagellate. gain entry into the brain, where it 6 has been known to cause prob- lems.

It’s important to note that swimmers who have contracted PAM usually got it after rooting around the lake bottom, in heavy silt where the amoeba lives. Therefore, keeping one’s face away from the bottom of a lake, river, canal, etc. and keeping swimmers from jumping off a

dock into shallow water—or any other scenario that would result in the disruption of bottom sedi- ments—will significantly reduce Joe Richard the risk of exposure to Naegleria. Young children are at the highest Everyone can be further protected by wearing ear plugs and a nose clip (or a dive mask that risk of exposure as they tend to covers the nose) when swimming. engage in such activities. water temperatures rise during from Naegleria, the family doctor Everyone can be further pro- the summer (82-86 degrees recognized the symptoms imme- tected by wearing ear plugs and a Farenheit), it provides a more ac- diately and was quick to react nose clip (or a dive mask that commodating environment for with appropriate antibiotics. Per- covers the nose) when swim- the amoeba to feed and multiply. sons who complain of severe ming. Remember, exposure to So, if possible, avoid swimming in headaches, rigidity of the neck, bottom sediments is the single warm shallow waters during this impaired sense of smell and MOST important factor that in- time. taste, nausea, vomiting and/or a creases chances for infection. high fever, and who have been During most of the year, concen- Diagnosis swimming in a lake should be trations of Naegleria are rarely Early diagnosis is the best bet for taken to a doctor. If the treat- high enough to cause public survival. In the two known cases ment is going to be effective, it health problems. However, as where patients survived infection needs to be administered quickly.

Left: EM image of Naegleria fowleri in its cyst stage. Center: EM image of Naegleria fowleri in its ameboid trophozoite stage. Right: EM image of Naegleria fowleri in its flagellated stage. Credit: DPDx and GS Visvesvara.

7 Outstanding Florida Waters (OFWs) Outstanding Florida Waters • National Parks and Save Our Coast Program Ac- Floridians are lucky to have a state Floridians are lucky to have a state with so many beautiful waterways. An Outstanding Florida Water (OFW) is a waterbody

with so many beautiful waterways. deemed worthy of special protection because• National Wildlife Refuges of its natural a!ributes (e.g., excellent water quality,quisitions or exceptional ecological, social, An Outstanding educational, Florida Water is a or recreational value). "ese• National Seashores areas must be formally designated by law. Outstanding• State Florida Aquatic Preserves Waters generally include waterbody deemed worthy of sp surface waters in the following areas:e- • National Preserves • Scenic and Wild Rivers (both Na- cial protection because of its nat u- • National Marine Sanctuaries and tional and State) ral attributes (e.g., excellent water r National Parks Estuarine Research Reservesr State Preserves and • “Special Waters” Reserves (see list below) quality, or r exceptional National Wildlife ecological, Refuges • National Forests (certair Staten waters) Ornamental Gardens and Botanical Sites r National Seashores r Environmentally Endangered Lands Program, Conserva- social, educational, or recreational • State Parks & Recreation Areas “Special Waters” OFWs include 41 r National Preserves tion and Recreational Lands Program, and Save Our value). These areas must be for- • State Preserves and Reserves of Florida’s 1700 rivers, several r National Marine Sanctuaries and Estuarine Research Coast Program Acquisitions mally designated by law. OutsReserves tand- • State Ornamental Gardens and r State Aquatic Preserveslakes and lake chains, several es- ing Florida r Waters National Forests generally (certain i n-waters) Botanical Sites r Scenic and Wild Riverstuarine (both National areas, and and State) the Florida clude surface waters in the follor State Parks & Recreationw- Areas •Environmentally Endangered r “Special Waters” (seeKeys: list below) ing areas: Lands Program, Conservation Many areas managed by the state “Special Waters” OFWs include 41 of Florida’sand Recreational Lands Program, 1700 rivers, several lakes and lake chains, several estuarine areas, and the Florida Keys: “Special Waters” OFWs Apalachicola River System System Kingsley Lake & (North Fork) Sarasota Bay Estuarine System Blackwater River Lake Disston Shoal River Butler Chain of Lakes Lake Powell System Lemon Bay Estuarine System Spruce Creek Li!le Lochloosa Lake Clermont Chain of Lakes (lower part) Wacissa River Crooked Lake Ochlocknee River Oklawaha River Weekiwachee Riverine System System Orange Lake, River Styx, and Estero Bay Tributaries Wiggins Pass Estuarine System Florida Keys Withlacoochee Riverine and Lake System Hillsborough River St. Marks River

or federal Many government, areas managed including by the state or federalrequested government, this including special parks, protection. wildlife refuges, preserves,mit a petition to the Department of marine sanctuaries, state or parks, wildlife national forests, refuges, scenic preserves, and wild rivers, or aquaticIn addition, preserves, a are waterbody designated as OFWs. demo n-GenerallyEnvironmental Protection (DEP) in the waters within these managed marine areas sanctuaries, have OFW designations state or because na- thestrated to be of exceptional signif managing agencies have requested this speciali- protection.accordance In addition, with a Chapter waterbody 120 of tional forests, scenic and wild ridemonstrated to be of exceptionalv- signi#cancecance may may be designated be designated as an OFW regardless as an of whetherthe Florida it is within Statutes. an area managed Waters are ers, or by aquatic the state preserves, or federal government. are des- AnyoneOFW who wishes regardless to propose of waters whether for an OFW it is designationdesignated may submit OFW a petition to prevent to the the ignated Department as OFWs. of Environmental Generally Protection the within (DEP) in an accordance area with managed Chapter by 120 of the the Floridalower Statutes.ing of Waters existing are designated water quality waters OFW within to prevent these the managed lowering of a existingr- state water quality or federal government. An and to preserve the exceptionaly- ecologicaland to and preserve recreational signi the #cance exceptional of the waterbody. eas have OFW designations be- one who wishes to propose waters ecological and recreational signifi- cause the managing agencies have for an OFW Authority: designation may sub- cance of the waterbody. Section 403.061(27), Florida Statutes, grants the DEP the power to establish rules that provide for Outstanding Florida Waters. DEP is the agency that designates a waterbody as an OFW; however, each OFW must be approved by an arm of DEP known Authority: as the Environmental Regulation Commission (ERC). "e ERC is a seven member citizen’s body appointed by the Governor. Section 403.061(27), Florida Statutes, grants the DEP the power to establisFor more information, contact the DEP Standards and Assessment Section at (850)245-8064h rules that provide for Outstanding Flo or view the DEP Water Quality r- ida Waters. DEP is the agency that designates a waterbody as an OFW; however, each OFW must be approved by an Standards website at www.dep.state.$.us/water/wqssp arm of DEP known as the Environmental Regulation Commission (ERC). The ERC is a seven member citizen’s boA complete listing of Outstanding Florida Waters is provided in Rule 62-302.700 (9) of the Florida Administrative Code. Use dy ap- pointed your by browser the Governor. to search the For underlined more information, text. contact the DEP Standards and Assessment Section at (850)245- !by Karen Brown, Editor Continued on page 12 8064 or view the DEP Water Quality Standards website at www.dep.state.fl.us/water/wqssp A complete listing of Outstanding Florida Waters is provided in Rule 62-302.700 (9) of the Florida Administrative Code. Use your browser Spring 2013 Aquatics | 11 to search the underlined text. —by Karen Brown, UF/IFAS Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants

8

Labeling Reminders

Bottle Labeling: seen and record the depth. clouds during the time the Secchi disc Using a permanent waterproof marker, was being read, a #1 would be entered label the sample bottle with the follow- Write “W” on the data sheet to indicate for the Sun Code #. ing information: that the Secchi disc disappeared into weeds growing in the water body. Also Fill out the remainder of the data sheet. •Water body name record the depth at which the disc dis- Write comments on the back of the data •County name appeared into the weeds. sheet if necessary. Include anything •Month-day-year that might possibly be useful. For exam- •Station 1, 2, or 3, etc. Record the cloud coverage when the ple, “limerock washed into water Secchi reading was taken in the column body from torrential rainfall on roads, You may want to label your bottles be- headed “Sun Code #” by writing a num- “grass carp were stocked in water body fore you start out to sample. The labels ber between 1 and 5 chosen from the last week,” or “public beach was closed are very difficult to write on when data sheet column headed “Sun Codes.” by Health Department on May 10th.” If wet. Be sure your pen is waterproof. Do not indicate how much cloud cover you choose to record water levels regu- Always double check your labels; dates there was in the sky at the time the Sec- larly, please clearly label the type of and station numbers are essential to chi reading was taken; record the cloud gauge you are reading. If you do not recording your data correctly. cover directly over the sun only. For know the type of gauge then call the Example: example, if the sky was very cloudy, but LAKEWATCH office to get help determin- the sun popped out from behind the ing the type of gauge. Water Body: Little Weston County: Polk Florida LAKEWATCH Freshwater Data Sheet Date: 3-26-01 Lake Name::___Little Weston______County:___:____Polk______Station: 3 . Sampler: ______Joe Smith______Split bottles: Phone:( 800)_525-3928__ Date:____9/7/13__ Time:__9:30 AM___ Because the sample will be frozen, pour some water out of the bottle in order to Yes_√_ No___: Surface Water Collected for Total Phosphorus and Total Nitrogen. allow some space for the water to ex- Yes_√_ No___: Surface Water Collected for Chlorophyll and Filtered Within 48 Hours. Yes_√_ No___: Secchi Depth Reading Taken pand as it freezes. If the bottle is over- filled, it might crack or split open. A good fill level is about one-half inch Secchi Disc Measurements: below the shoulder of the sample bot- • For Secchi depth and water depth measurements, please indicate the number of feet and then estimate tle. If the bottles bulge after they are and circle the appropriate fraction, if needed. frozen, pour out a little more water next • If your disc is visible on the bottom write B, If your disc disappears in the weeds write W, in the vanishing point column and the depth at which your disc disappears. time. Be gentle with the frozen bottles. They may become brittle and can shat- Vanishing Point Sun Code Sun Code Key Use Water Depth the codes from below to fill in the ter if they are dropped . Number Sun Code Number column.

Recording on the data sheet Sta 1 12 ft. 1/4 1/2 3/4 2 1 = full sun 18 ft. 1/4 1/2 3/4 Sta 2 11 ft. 1/4 1/2 3/4 3 2 = haze over sun 22 ft. 1/4 1/2 3/4 Please fill out the data sheet completely. Sta 3 12 ft. 1/4 1/2 3/4 2 3 = thin cloud cover 15 ft. 1/4 1/2 3/4 Fill in your lake name, the county the 4 = medium cloud cover lake is in, your name, phone number 5 = heavy cloud cover and the time that you begin your sam- pling. DESCRIBE the amount and duration of any unique occurrences that have occurred within two weeks or so before your sampling date either in the lake or on the local watershed: To record the Secchi reading, several special notations are used: Write “B” on the data sheet to indicate that the disc went to the bottom and could still be

9 Lake Level Measurements: Please circle or describe the type of gauge located in the lake and then record the lake level. Type of Staff Gauge: WMD / City / LCWA / USGS / Other (Please describe):______

Lake level:* ______Rain (in.) since last report: ______

* If you wish to record lake levels of your lake, please fill in these last two blank. Call LAKEWATCH (1-800-LAKEWAT) if you have any questions on how to get started.

Why We Manage

Aquatic Invasive

Plants

By Dr. Bill Haller Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants A Hydrilla infestation ! Invasive aquatic plants harm Flor- Hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata) Water hyacinth (Eichhornia cras- ida’s natural environment and was first introduced into Florida sipes) is a floating plant native to

lead to a loss of biodiversity. They from Sri Lanka as an aquarium South America. It was introduced usually cannot be completely plant during the early 1950s. Hy- into Florida during the late 1800s. eradicated and will grow back drilla can cover an entire water- Water hyacinth is one of the fast- quickly if not managed. The Flor- body in as little as a few seasons, est growing plants; it can double ida Legislature designated the and grow from 30% coverage to its population in 6-18 days. When Florida Fish and Wildlife Conser- 70% coverage of a lake in just a it covers the water’s surface, sun-

vation Commission (FWC) as the few months. Hydrilla can spread light is prevented from reaching

lead agency to “direct the con- by fragmentation, so nearly every native plants below. Control pro- trol, eradication, and regulation fragment that breaks off can start grams in recent decades have of noxious aquatic weeds and di- a new plant. This can lead to successfully reduced water hya- rect the research and planning dense stands of hydrilla where cinth to low levels in most public related to these activities . . . so nothing else grows. Hydrilla now waterways in Florida. This was as to protect human health, infests tens of thousands of acres not the case in earlier times. Flor-

safety, and recreation and, to the in Florida public waters. It also ida has been managing aquatic extent possible, prevent injury to has spread to about 30 states as invasive plants, beginning with plant and animal life and prop- far away as Massachusetts and water hyacinth, for over 110 erty.” FWC currently controls California. Hydrilla requires con- years. The goal of the FWC Inva- about 12 of the most problematic stant management, most often sive Plant Management Section is aquatic invasive plants. In Florida, using chemical and mechanical to manage small infestations of

hydrilla and water hyacinth are control methods. Management invasive plants before they get two of the the worst aquatic costs for this plant in Florida pu b- out of control. Decades of expe- weeds, requiring constant atten- lic waters approach $20 million rience and applied research tion and management. each year.

vasive Plants

Sara Kane

Center for Aquatic and In

Water Hyacinth up close (left) and completely covering up (right) many years ago.

10

Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants

Harvester working on , 1939. Hydrilla can make boating extremely difficult. taught us that keeping problem Aquatic plants are managed with by the United States Environmental Pro- plants at low levels is the most mechanical, biological, physical, tection Agency (US EPA). FWC only uses EPA-registered herbicides that are ac- economical and environmentally or chemical treatment methods. cepted for use in state waters by the sound strategy for managing in- Treatment is based on the spe- Florida Department of Agriculture and vasive plants. This approach is cific conditions and circum- Consumer Services (FDACS). known as “maintenance control.” stances of each waterbody. Many of us use the same strategy Since no one knows what the with our lawns or cars; keeping • Mechanical control involves using next aquatic invasive plant will something maintained is easier large machines in the water to harvest be, prevention and education are and remove aquatic plants. and cheaper than waiting for a • Biological control involves the use needed to protect our water re- problem to develop, which leads of animals, insects or bacteria that feed sources. We can be part of the to “crisis management.” on or damage targeted plants. Grass solution by following these easy carp are an example of a biological con- steps: In Florida, “maintenance control” trol agent. • Practice good stewardship: never • Cultural or physical control entails transport Florida’s aquatic or wetland of invasive aquatic plants: hand-pulling, raking, and water-level plants to other areas, and never empty manipulation. your aquarium into a body of water or Reduces the environmental impact • • Chemical control involves the use canal. of noxious weeds; of registered aquatic herbicides to man- • Learn to identify which plants are • Provides greater use of our waters; age plants. Before an aquatic herbicide invasive in your area. • Incorporates integrated manage- is used in Florida waters, it must un- • When disposing of plants, com- ment methods; dergo extensive testing and risk-analysis pletely dry or freeze them, and put in • Uses less herbicide; for human health, fish, wildlife, and the the trash (not the compost). • Greatly reduces the cost of long- environment and be registered for use term management; • Promotes public confidence and cooperation.

The FWC Invasive Plant Manage- lants ment Section oversees the main- tenance control program for aquatic plants in Florida’s public waters. They collaborate with Water Management Districts, city and county governments, and others charged with managing Center for Aquatic and Invasive P public waters. Never empty your aquarium into a body of water, not even a ditch or canal.

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Florida LAKEWATCH Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences School of Forest Resources and Conservation 7922 NW 71st Street Gainesville, FL 32653

• Avoid chopping aquatic plants with Florida boat propellers as some plant fragments LAKEWATCH can grow into new infestations. • Remove plant matter from boats and trailers after use.

This newsletter is generated by the Florida LAKEWATCH program, within UF/IFAS. Support for the LAKEWATCH program is provided by the Florida Legislature, grants and donations. For more information about LAKEWATCH, to inquire about View the video, “Why We Manage Aquatic Inva- volunteer training sessions, or to submit materials for inclusion in this publication, write to: sive Plants” Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants Florida LAKEWATCH plants.ifas.ufl.edu/manage/videos Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences School of Forest Resources and Conservation For more information on plant management in Florida: 7922 NW 71st Street myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/habitat/invasive-plants Gainesville, FL 32653 or call For information on aquatic herbicides: 1-800-LAKEWATCH (800-525-3928) epa.gov/pesticides/regulating (352) 392-4817 E-mail: [email protected] http://lakewatch.ifas.ufl.edu/

A collaboration of the All unsolicited articles, photographs, artwork or other UF/IFAS Center for Aquatic written material must include contributor’s name, and Invasive Plants and the address and phone number. Opinions expressed are Florida Fish and Wildlife solely those of the individual contributor and do not Conservation Commission / necessarily reflect the opinion or policy of the Florida Invasive Plant Management LAKEWATCH program. Section 12