ALBERT

Description: This is the River Lynher Salmon Action Plan Final document produced by the Environment Agency in 1999. This final Salmon Action Plan (SAP) for the River Lynher catchment has been produced after consideration of feedback from external consultation. It provides a list of the agreed issues and actions for the next five years to maintain and improve the River Lynher salmon stock. The actions presented within this final Salmon Action Plan clarify the important issues and factors currently limiting the salmon stock on the river. The resolution of these issues should ensure that a sustainable salmon population will be maintained for future generations. The River Lynher salmon stock has suffered two periods of spawning target failure within the past ten years. This assessment can only be estimated and in this case is likely to be dependent on river flow and the availability of salmon to the rods as only rod catch is used in the compliance assessment.

Description: Environment Agency Archives South West

Description: This is the River Tavy Salmon Action Plan Final document produced by the Environment Agency in 2000. This final Salmon Action Plan (SAP) for the River Tavy catchment has been produced after consideration of feedback from external consultation. It provides a list of the agreed issues and actions for the next five years to maintain and improve the River Tavy salmon stock. The actions presented within this Salmon Action Plan clarify the important issues and factors currently limiting the salmon stock on the river. The resolution of these issues should ensure that a sustainable salmon population will be maintained for future generations. An attempt has been made to cost these actions, identify possible sources of funding and to provide a timescale for action. This Action Plan aims to promote long term collaboration and co-operation between the Agency and other interested parties to effectively and efficiently manage the stock of salmon on the River Tavy.

Description: Environment Agency Archives South West

Description: This is the River Plym Salmon Action Plan Final document produced by the Environment Agency in 2003. This final Salmon Action Plan (SAP) for the River Plym catchment has been produced after consideration of feedback from external consultation. It provides a list of the agreed issues and actions for the next five years to maintain and improve the River Lynher salmon stock. These issues and actions follow on from the detailed analysis of the catchment, which is presented in the River Plym SAP Consultation document.The actions presented within this final Salmon Action Plan clarify the important issues and factors currently limiting the salmon stock on the river. The resolution of these issues should ensure that a sustainable salmon population will be maintained for future generations. The main objective of the River Plym SAP therefore, is to maintain, improve and develop the River Plym salmon stocks to a sustainable level that, on the basis of historic catch records, the catchment can clearly support. The River Plym has failed to pass its conservation limit since 1996, and the consultees felt very strongly that there were three major factors limiting the salmon stock of the River Plym.

Description: Environment Agency Archives South West

Description: This is the River Camel Salmon Action Plan produced by the Environment Agency in 2002. The report focuses on the River Camel Salmon Action Plan (SAP). The River Camel SAP follows the format of those completed for the Rivers Tamar, Lynher and Tavy. It is the 4th of 7 action plans that will be produced for salmon rivers managed by the Cornwall Area Fisheries, Recreation and Biodiversity Team. This strategy represents an entirely new approach to salmon management within the UK and introduces the concept of river-specific salmon spawning targets as a salmon management tool. In addition, for the first time, Salmon Action Plans have attempted to evaluate in economic terms, all of the contributory components of the salmon fishery. The River Camel Salmon Action Plan contains a description of the river catchment and highlights particular features that are relevant to the salmon population and associated fishery.

Description: Environment Agency Archives North West

Description: This is the River Fowey Salmon Action Plan Consultation document produced by the Environment Agency in 2003. The report pays attention on the external consultation of the River Fowey Salmon Action Plan (SAP). The River Fowey SAP follows the format of those completed for the Rivers Tamar, Lynher, Tavy and Camel. It is the 5th of 7 action plans that will be produced for salmon rivers managed by the Cornwall Area Fisheries, Recreation and Biodiversity Team. This strategy represents an entirely new approach to salmon management within the UK and introduces the concept of river-specific salmon spawning targets as a salmon management tool. The River Fowey SAP contains a description of the river catchment and highlights particular features that are relevant to the salmon population and the associated fishery. Notably, there are historic workings for copper and china clay and two significant potable supply reservoirs (Siblyback and Colliford) which have been constructed within the catchment during the past 35 years. The whole of the Fowey catchment is set at the highest water quality grading of RE1 and this standard is met in all reaches of the River Fowey and its tributaries.

Description: Environment Agency Archives South West

Description: This is the River Tamar Salmon Action Plan Consultation document produced by the Environment Agency in 1998. The report pays attention on the external consultation of the River Tamar Salmon Action Plan (SAP). This strategy represents an entirely new approach to salmon management within the UK and introduces the concept of river-specific salmon spawning targets as a salmon management tool. The River Tamar was one of the premier salmon rivers in the West Country, supporting fifteen licensed estuary nets, and the second highest rod catch behind the River Exe. The River Tamar SAP contains a description of the river catchment and highlights particular features that are relevant to the salmon population and the associated fishery.

Description: Environment Agency Archives South West

Description: This is the River Camel Salmon Action Plan Final document produced by the Environment Agency in 2002. This final Salmon Action Plan (SAP) for the River Camel catchment has been produced after consideration of feedback from external consultation. It provides a list of the agreed issues and actions for the next five years to maintain and improve the River Camel salmon stock. The actions presented within this Salmon Action Plan clarify the important issues and factors currently limiting the salmon stock on the river. The resolution of these issues should ensure that a sustainable salmon population will be maintained for future generations. An attempt has been made to cost these actions, identify possible sources of funding and to provide a timescale for action. This Action Plan aims to promote long term collaboration and co-operation between the Agency and other interested parties to effectively and efficiently manage the stock of salmon on the River Camel.

Description: Environment Agency Archives South West

Description: This is the Gunnislake Fish Counter, Annual Report 1999 produced by the Environment Agency South West Region on March 2000. The report presents the daily upstream counts of migratory salmonids recorded at Gunnislake Weir fish counting station (SX 435 713) situated on the River Tamar in 1999. The counter data contained within this report covers the period of the commercial migratory salmonid net buy-back scheme and the implementation of the National Spring Salmon Byelaws. The fish counter at Gunnislake is a resistivity based system (Logie 2100A – Aquantic limited) and is installed in the fish pass on the Cornish bank of the River Tamar at the head of the tide. The minimum salmon count for 1999 was 2691. The run pattern observed for salmon and sea trout in 1999 was generally consistent with that of previous years. However, the total combined annual count of salmon and sea trout migrating upstream on the River Tamar in 1999 was 25% higher than the 5 year average (1994 - 1998).

Description: Environment Agency Archives North West

Description: This is the Restormel Fish Counter, Annual Report 2001 produced by the Environment Agency South West Region on March 2002. The report presents the daily upstream counts of migratory salmonids on the River Fowey at Restormel Weir fish counting station (SX 107 613) in 2001. The counter data covers the period of the commercial salmonid net buy back scheme and the national spring salmon byelaws. These reduce the commercial netting season for salmon and sea trout to between 16 June and 31 August. The fish counter at Restormel is installed on a crump sectioned weir on the River Fowey. The fish counter is a resistivity based system and operates over all three channels of the weir. 2001 was a good year for large sea trout. The number of returning large sea trout was above average in April, May, June and July and equal to or higher than the previous recorded maximum in those months. The main run of small sea trout occurred at a similar time to previous years with the highest numbers of fish entering the Fowey during June and July.

Description: Environment Agency Archives North West

Description: This is the Restormel Fish Counter, Annual Report 2007 produced by the Environment Agency South West Region on March 2008. The report presents the upstream counts of migratory salmonids recorded on the River Fowey at Restormel Weir fish counting station (SX 107 613) over the period March 2007 to February 2008 inclusive. Data contained within this report covers the period of the commercial migratory salmonid net buy-back scheme and the National Spring Salmon Byelaws (2 March- 15 June). The minimum upstream salmon estimate for 2007, over the period July 2007 to February 2008, was 796, which is the fifth highest recorded count over the past 13 years. The number of returning salmon in 2007 suggests a downward trend in numbers since 2004. The 2007 large sea trout count is similar to 2006. Overall, the number of fish returning is still low in comparison with the 10-year average. There was a noticeable decrease in the number of small sea trout returning compared to 2006 and the 10-year average. The Fish counter at Restormel suffered several faults.

Description: Environment Agency Archives South West

Description: This is the Restormel Fish Counter, Annual Report 2006 produced by the Environment Agency South West Region on March 2007. The report presents the upstream counts of migratory salmonids recorded on the River Fowey at Restormel weir fish counting station (SX 107 613) over the period March 2006 to February 2007 inclusive. Data contained within this report covers the period of the commercial migratory salmonid net buy-back scheme and the National Spring Salmon Byelaws (2 March- 15 June inclusive). The minimum upstream salmon estimate for 2005 (1046), over the period July 2005 to February 2006, was 20% lower than that recorded over the same period in 2004 (1301). However, this is the second highest count recorded over the past 11 years. The total sea trout count (10448) was 8% higher than 2004 (9608). The number of salmon and large sea trout was lower than average in 2005. However, the overall numbers of adult salmon and sea trout returning have been increasing year on year since 1997. This overall increase in the salmon and sea trout counts, together with the consistency of the numbers of fish returning over recent years suggests that measures designed to protect salmonid stocks in the River Fowey are working.

Description: Environment Agency Archives South West

Description: This is the Restormel Fish Counter, Annual Report 2003 produced by the Environment Agency South West Region on March 2004. The report presents the daily upstream counts of migratory salmonids recorded on the River Fowey at Restormel weir fish counting station (SX 107 613) in 2003. Data contained within this report covers the period of the commercial migratory salmonid net buy-back scheme and the National Spring Salmon Bylaws. The run pattern observed for salmon and sea trout in 2003 was generally consistent with that of previous years. The upstream salmon / large sea trout count for 2003 was 1777, 2% lower than that recorded in 2002. The overall increase in the salmon and sea trout counts, together with the consistency of the numbers over recent years suggests that measures designed to protect salmonid stocks were working.

Description: Environment Agency Archives South West

Description: This is the Restormel Fish Counter, Annual Report 2008 produced by the Environment Agency South West Region on April 2009. The report presents the upstream counts of migratory salmonids recorded on the River Fowey at Restormel Weir fish counting station (SX 107 613) over the period March 2008 to February 2009 inclusive. Data contained within this report covers the period of the commercial migratory salmonid net buy-back scheme and the National Spring Salmon Byelaws. The minimum upstream salmon estimate for 2008, over the period July 2008 to February 2009, was 938 and is the third highest recorded count over the past 14 years. The 2008 large sea trout count (482) shows a marked improvement in the number of returning fish when compared to 2007 (241). There was a significant decrease in the number of small sea trout returning in 2008 when compared to 2007 and the 10-year average.

Description: Environment Agency Archives South West

Description: This is the Restormel Fish Counter, Annual Report 2002 produced by the Environment Agency South West Region on March 2003. The report presents the daily upstream counts of migratory salmonids recorded on the River Fowey at Restormel Weir fish counting station (SX 107 613) in 2002. Data contained within this report covers the period of the commercial migratory salmonid net buy-back scheme and the National Spring Salmon Bylaws. The fish counter at Restormel is a resistivity based system (Logie 2100A - Aquantic limited) and is installed on the weir at Restormel approximately 2 km upstream of the tidal limit. The run pattern observed for salmon and sea trout in 2002 was generally consistent with that of previous years. The upstream salmon / large sea trout count for 2002 was 1804.

Description: Environment Agency Archives North West

Description: This is the River Fowey Salmon Action Plan Final document produced by the Environment Agency in 2003. This final Salmon Action Plan (SAP) for the River Fowey catchment has been produced after consideration of feedback from external consultation. It provides a list of the agreed issues and actions for the next five years to maintain and improve the River Fowey salmon stock. The actions presented within this final Salmon Action Plan clarify the important issues and factors currently limiting the salmon stock on the river. The resolution of these issues should ensure that a sustainable salmon population will be maintained for future generations. The main objective of the Fowey SAP therefore, is to maintain, improve and develop the Fowey salmon stocks to a sustainable level that, on the basis of historic catch records, the catchment can clearly support. Although the Fowey is passing its conservation limit, the consultees felt very strongly that there were two major factors limiting the salmon stock of the River Fowey- the overgrazing of Bodmin Moor and the use of the catchment for water supply by South West Water.

Description: Environment Agency Archives South West

Description: This is the River Lynher Salmon Action Plan Consultation document produced by the Environment Agency in 1998. The report pays attention on the external consultation of the River Lynher Salmon Action Plan (SAP). The River Lynher SAP follows that for the River Tamar and is the second of seven action plans that will be produced for salmon rivers managed by the Cornwall area fisheries department. This strategy represents an entirely new approach to salmon management within the UK and introduces the concept of river-specific salmon spawning targets as a salmon management tool. The River Lynher SAP contains a description of the river catchment and highlights particular features that are relevant to the salmon population and the associated fishery. The analysis of recent and historical catches of salmon on the River Lynher from both the rod and net fisheries indicated the fishery's reliance upon post 1 June salmon. Historically, annual salmon catches (both rod and net) on the River Lynher have been found to consist of a much higher proportion of pre 1 June (spring) salmon. Evidence is provided that illustrates the extent of the decline within this stock component since the early 1980s.

Description: Environment Agency Archives South West

Description: This is the Restormel Fish Counter, Annual Report 1999 produced by the Environment Agency South West Region on March 2000. The report presents the daily upstream counts of migratory salmonids recorded at Restormel Weir counting station (SX 107 613) River Fowey in 1999. The counter data covers the period of the commercial migratory salmonid net buy-back scheme, which was in operation between March and June 1999. The fish counter is a resistivity based system (Logie 2100 A - Aquantic limited) and operates over all three channels of the weir at Restormel. The minimum salmon count estimate was 497, and the 1999 upstream count for sea trout was 6590. The run pattern observed for salmon and sea trout in 1999 was generally consistent with that of previous years. Flows on average were half those of 1998 during September, October, and November.

Description: : Environment Agency Archives North West

Description: This is the Gunnislake Fish Counter, Annual Report 2001 produced by the Environment Agency South West Region on March 2002. The report presents the daily upstream counts of migratory salmonids recorded on the River Tamar at Gunnislake Weir fish counting station (SX 435 713) situated in 2001. Data contained within this report covers the period of the commercial migratory salmonid net buy-back scheme and the National Spring Salmon Byelaws. The fish counter at Gunnislake is a resistivity based system (Logie 2100A – Aquantic limited) and is installed in the fish pass on the Cornish bank of the River Tamar at the head of the tide. The minimum salmon count for 2001 was 3138. The 2001 upstream count for sea trout was 7503. The run pattern observed for salmon and sea trout in 2001 was generally consistent with that of previous years.

Description: Environment Agency Archives North West

Description: This is the River Plym Salmon Action Plan Consultation document produced by the Environment Agency in 2003. The report pays attention on the external consultation of the River Plym Salmon Action Plan (SAP). This strategy represents an entirely new approach to salmon management within the UK and introduces the concept of river-specific salmon spawning targets as a salmon management tool. The River Plym SAP follows the format of those completed for the rivers Tamar, Lynher, Tavy, Camel and Fowey. It is the sixth of seven action plans that will be produced for salmon rivers managed by Cornwall Area. The River Plym SAP contains a description of the river catchment and highlights particular features that are relevant to the salmon population and the associated fishery. Notably, there are historic workings for china clay and a significant potable water supply at Burrator Reservoir. The main River Plym has been designated as River Ecosystem class 1 for its water quality objectives. This is the highest water quality target set for rivers. This standard has been met in all reaches of the main River Plym and River Meavy.

Description: Environment Agency Archives South West

Description: This is the River Tavy Salmon Action Plan Consultation document produced by the Environment Agency in 1999. The report pays attention on the external consultation of the River Tavy Salmon Action Plan (SAP). This strategy represents an entirely new approach to salmon management within the UK and introduces the concept of river-specific salmon spawning targets as a salmon management tool. In addition, salmon action plans have for the first time, attempted to evaluate in economic terms, all of the contributory components of the salmon fishery. The River Tavy Salmon Action Plan follows that for the River Tamar and River Lynher and is the third of seven action plans that will be produced for salmon rivers managed by the Cornwall Area FER department. The River Tavy SAP contains a description of the river catchment and highlights particular features that are relevant to the salmon population and the associated fishery.

Description: Environment Agency Archives South West

Description: This is the River Yealm Salmon Action Plan Final document produced by the Environment Agency in 2003. This final Salmon Action Plan (SAP) for the River Yealm catchment has been produced after consideration of feedback from external consultation. It provides a list of the agreed issues and actions for the next five years to maintain and improve the River Yealm salmon stock. The actions presented within this Salmon Action Plan clarify the important issues and factors currently limiting the salmon stock on the river. The resolution of these issues should ensure that a sustainable salmon population will be maintained for future generations. An attempt has been made to cost these actions, identify possible sources of funding and to provide a timescale for action. The main objective of the River Yealm SAP is to maintain, improve and develop the River Yealm salmon stocks to a sustainable level that, on the basis of historic catch records, the catchment can clearly support.

Description: Environment Agency Archives South West

Description: This is the River Yealm Salmon Action Plan Consultation document produced by the Environment Agency in 2003. The report pays attention on the external consultation of the River Yealm Salmon Action Plan (SAP). This strategy represents an entirely new approach to salmon management within the UK and introduces the concept of river-specific salmon spawning targets as a salmon management tool. The River Yealm Salmon Action Plan follows the format of those completed for the rivers Tamar, Lynher, Tavy, Camel, Fowey and Plym. It is the final one of seven action plans that will be produced for salmon rivers managed by Cornwall Area. The River Yealm SAP contains a description of the river catchment and highlights particular features that are relevant to the salmon population and the associated fishery. Notably there are potable water abstractions in the headwaters, workings for china clay on the main tributary, two inert waste landfill sites and an aggregate quarry adjacent to the main river and inputs from several Sewage Treatment Works (STW) and two industrial estates. The main River Yealm has been designated as River Ecosystem Class 1 for its water quality objectives. This is the highest water quality target set for rivers.

Description: Environment Agency Archives South West

Description: This is the Gunnislake Fish Counter, Annual Report 2000 produced by the Environment Agency South West Region on March 2001. The report presents the daily upstream counts of migratory salmonids recorded on the River Tamar at Gunnislake Weir fish counting station (SX 435 713) situated in 2000. Data contained within this report covers the period of the commercial migratory salmonid net buy-back scheme and the National Spring Salmon Byelaws. The fish counter at Gunnislake is a resistivity based system (Logie 2100A – Aquantic limited) and is installed in the fish pass on the Cornish bank of the River Tamar at the head of the tide. The minimum salmon count for 2000 was 2654. The 2000 upstream count for sea trout was 6417. The run pattern observed for salmon and sea trout in 2000 was generally consistent with that of previous years.

Description: Environment Agency Archives North West

Description: This is the Gunnislake Fish Counter, Annual Report 2003 produced by the Environment Agency South West Region on March 2004. The report presents the daily upstream counts of migratory salmonids recorded at Gunnislake weir fish counting station and trap (River Tamar SX 435 713) in 2003. Data contained within this report covers the period of the commercial migratory salmonid net buy-back scheme and the National Spring Salmon Bylaws. The total combined annual count of upstream migrating salmon and sea trout on the River Tamar in 2003 was 7% higher than the 9-year average. The minimum salmon count for 2003 was 3626. The 2003 upstream count for sea trout was 9913. Trap data for 2003 is consistent with historic trapping and net data in terms of the size split between salmon and sea trout stocks.

Description: Environment Agency Archives South West

Description: This is the Gunnislake Fish Counter Annual Report 2002 from the Environment Agency South West Region, which was held on March 2002. It presents the daily upstream counts of migratory salmonids recorded on the River Tamar at Gunnislake Weir fish counting station in 2002. The data within this report covers the period of the commercial migratory salmonid net buy-back scheme and the National Spring Salmon Bylaws. The report contains section on Net Buy-Back; Species Apportionment; Validation of counter efficiency; results as total number of migratory salmonid (salmon and Sea Trout) counted moving upstream in 2002 at Gunnislake; video validation and Counter Efficiency; and Discussion. The section Discussion includes Salmon and Sea Trout counts recorded on the River Tamar 1995-2002, other fish species observed as sea lamprey and Environmental Factors (river flows, water temperature, and barometric pressure).

Description: Environment Agency Archives South West

Description: This is the Restormel Fish Counter, Annual Report 2005 produced by the Environment Agency South West Region on March 2006. The report presents the upstream counts of migratory salmonids recorded on the River Fowey at Restormel weir fish counting station (SX 107 613) over the period March 2005 to February 2006 inclusive. Data contained within this report covers the period of the commercial migratory salmonid net buy-back scheme and the National Spring Salmon Byelaws (from 2 March to 15 June Inclusive). The minimum upstream salmon estimate for 2005 was 1046, this is the second highest count recorded over the past 11 years. The total sea trout count (10448) was 8% higher than 2004 (9608). This overall increase in the salmon and sea trout counts, together with the consistency of the numbers of fish returning over recent years suggests that measures designed to protect salmonid stocks in the River Fowey are working.

Description: Environment Agency Archives South West

Description: This is the Restormel Fish Counter, Annual Report 2008 produced by the Environment Agency South West Region on April 2009. The report presents the upstream counts of migratory salmonids recorded on the River Fowey at Restormel Weir fish counting station (SX 107 613) over the period March 2008 to February 2009 inclusive. Data contained within this report covers the period of the commercial migratory salmonid net buy-back scheme and the National Spring Salmon Byelaws. The minimum upstream salmon estimate for 2008, over the period July 2008 to February 2009, was 938, which is the third highest recorded count over the past 14 years. The 2008 large sea trout count (482) shows a marked improvement in the number of returning fish when compared to 2007 (241). There was a significant decrease in the number of small sea trout returning in 2008 when compared to 2007 and the 10-year average. The fish counter suffered several faults equated to 12.5 days during this period.

Description: Environment Agency Archives South West

Description: This is the Restormel Fish Counter, Annual Report 2010 produced by the Environment Agency South West Region on June 2011. The report presents the upstream counts of migratory salmonids recorded on the River Fowey at Restormel Weir fish counting station (SX 107 613) over the period March 2010 to February 2011 inclusive. Data contained within this report covers the period of the commercial migratory salmonid net buy-back scheme and the National Spring Salmon Byelaws. The minimum upstream salmon estimate for 2010, over the period July 2010 to February 2010, was 1220. The fish counter at Restormel suffered from only one major period of unscheduled downtime during 2010/2011. This was due to a counter fault over the period 21 to 30 August 2010 and equated to 10 days of downtime.

Description: Environment Agency Archives South West

Description: This is the Restormel Fish Counter, Annual Report 2011 produced by the Environment Agency, Environmental Monitoring Team on May 2012. The report presents the upstream counts of migratory salmonids recorded on the River Fowey at Restormel Weir fish counting station (SX 107 613) over the period March 2011 to February 2012 inclusive. The minimum upstream salmon estimate for 2011, over the period July 2011 to February 2012, was 675. The minimum upstream sea trout estimate for 2011 was 10,022, which is the fifth highest count recorded in the last 17 years. The fish counter at Restormel had six periods of downtime due to counter faults which equated to 19 days of downtime overall. Fish counts were estimated for downtime caused by counter faults but not for weir cleaning due to the small numbers of fish involved.

Description: Environment Agency Archives South West

Description: In collaboration with researchers from FloridaState University, Florida Sea Grant introduces an important but poorly known topic:submarine groundwater discharge. Although nearly invisible, submarinegroundwater discharge influences coastal systems. This brochure helps explain this important phenomenon. (8pp.)

Description: National Sea Grant College Program

Description: Center for Natural Resources, IFAS, University of Florida

Description: NOAA Grant No 76 RG-0120

Description: This report presents results of field measurements and numerical modeling of thehydrodynamic and sedimentary behaviors at a boat lock located in Section 15, BurntStore Isles of Punta Gorda, Florida. The purpose of the study is to establish thequantities of tidal flows through the lock in comparison with the flows bypassing thelock through other outlets between Section 15 and the Alligator Creek. The amountof sediment and pollutant transporting through the lock are also estimated in thestudy. (Document has 68 pages.)

Description: Red imported fire ants (Solenopsis invicta) invaded peninsular Florida morethan 30 years ago. Highlands and Polk counties, Florida, were probably first invaded inthe late 1960s. Since then, fire ants have continued both to spread and to increase inabundance. Experimental evidence has shown that red imported fire ants may have adetrimental impact on native species, both invertebrate and vertebrate, and that theseimpacts may be both direct and indirect. This segment of research was designed todetermine if fire ants have a negative impact on Florida grasshopper sparrow(Ammodramus savannarumfloridanus) populations at Avon Park Air Force BombingRange, Florida. The sampling reported herein was conducted during June and October,1997, and all analyses are restricted to data collected during those periods. As assessedby baits, fire ants were dominant on about half the sites, and absent from others. Inparticular, OQ Range sites tended to have fewer fire ants present, while Delta Trail siteswere more heavily infested, although there were exceptions. June fire ant abundance wasstrongly negatively correlated with both native ant abundance (r = -0.743, P = 0.006) andnative ant species richness (r = -0.730, P = 0.007). October fire ant abundance wasstrongly negatively correlated with both native ant abundance (r = -0.690, P = 0.013) andnative ant species richness (r = -0.736, P = 0.006). The patterns of fire ant abundance asassessed by pitfalls were very similar to those determined from bait sampling. June fireant abundance was negatively correlated (p 〈 0.05) with native ant richness, but otherJune comparisons were not statistically significant (P 〉 0.05). October fire antabundance was negatively correlated (P 〈 0.05) with native ant richness and abundance,but other comparisons were not statistically significant (P 〉 0.05). There was nosignificant correlation between overall insect biomass as assessed by light traps and fireant abundance as assessed by baits or pitfalls. Total biomass varied considerably amongthe two sample periods because of changes in overall insect abundance during differentseasons. There was a negative spatial correspondence between fire ants and nativeinvertebrates. Over most of the intensive study areas, there was a negative spatialrelationship between fire ants and the abundance of native invertebrates. Over about50% of the intensive study areas, there was a negative spatial relationship between fireants and the abundance of Florida grasshopper sparrows, although the relationship wasnot as strong as that between fire ants and native invertebrates. Fire ant and nativeinvertebrates were negatively correlated at grasshopper sparrow count locations (r =0.347,P = 0.03). A multiple regression model was fit to the data, using fire ants andnative invertebrates as independent variables, and grasshopper sparrow 100-m populationestimates (n = 39) as the dependent variable. The influence of fire ants on grasshoppersparrows was negative while the influence of native invertebrates was positive.However, the overall model, while suggestive, was not significant (r = 0.304, P = 0.17).Fire ant abundance was a better (negative) predictor of sparrow populations (P = 0.13)than was invertebrate abundance (P = 0.59). The overall model and influence of fire antson sparrow populations was suggestive of a negative influence warranting analyses ofdata for 1998 and 1999. (Document has 93 pages)

Description: Research Work Order no. 175

Description: Final report.

Description: The value of the natural resources of the White River Basin (Basin), AR isrecognized by the area's designation as a "Wetland of International Importance". TheBasin constitutes one of the Nation's largest remaining intact forested wetlandlandscapes, second only to the Atchafalya Basin. It supports the North Americancontinent's largest concentration of over-wintering mallard ducks, a world-class troutfishery, the last vestige of a big river fishery remaining in the Mississippi River Basin,and numerous threatened and endangered species. The continued viability of thiswetland ecosystem depends on the suitability of the hydrologic environment to theresident flora and fauna. Numerous modifications of the Basin hydrologic features in thepast century have seriously impaired the sustainability of these resources. The Basinwidealterations of hydrologic processes (e.g., impoundment and regulatory releases offlows and volumes in the upper reaches, navigational modifications of lower reaches, andconsumptive demands for agricultural use throughout) have affected the hydrology of thesystem profoundly. The result is highly regulated flows and stages, vastly alteredhydrologic patterns, over-stabilized water levels, and disruption of seasonal waterdistribution patterns. Given the critical nature of hydrology in regulating the structureand function of wetland ecosystems, the impacts have been devastating, particularly tothe critical bottomland hardwoods that support the Basin's fish and wildlife resources.To date these piece-meal, system-wide, hydrologic alterations have cornmutativelydegraded the habitat value of this resource for fish and wildlife in the Basin, and havelead to changes in their numbers and distributions. In spite of the enormous stakesinvolved, there has been no comprehensive characterization of the Basin hydrology.System alterations such as channel deepening, dam construction, water allocationplans, and flood control measures are currently pending. These projects will potentiallyhrther modify the hydrologic environments of the Basin, and no doubt require mitigationmeasures. In addition, there is genuine interest in restoring aspects of the Basin's historichydrologic regime within some set of reasonable limits. In order to proceed with thiseffort, the anticipated effects of these modifications and restorations on the Basin ecologyrequire thorough study of the area's historic hydrology, so that connectivity among Basinprecipitation patterns, flow fluctuations, and land use changes can be made. A basinhydrologic characterization is an initial component of this effort. The focus of this effortwas to determine and assemble the data set from which characterization of the hydrologicenvironments of the Basin using historic and recent water level, flow, (primarily byUSGS-WRD) at locations throughout the Basin could proceed. ( Document has 11 pages.)

Description: Research Work Order no. 203

Description: Loxahatchee can be grouped into three zones according to the patterns of change of treeislands observed from 1950 to 1991. 1 ) the edge ofthe refuge adjacent to the canals, 2) the eastern interiorof the refuge, and 3) the western interior ofthe refuge. The general trend is for tree islandsAlong the edge of the refuge to have decreased insize, number, and percent cover, while those on theinterior increased in size, nunber, and percentcover.Results from this study illustrate the importanceof flow magnitude as well as hydroperiodand depth in stucturing patterns of tree islandswithin this peat wetland. Restoration of historichydroperiods and depths without historic flow patternsmay not be sufficient to restore or maintainthe historic pattern and function of the system. (60 pages)

Description: We present a new modeling method for use in large-scale physical systems, such as the Everglades ecosystem.The current work that has been done in the ATLSS (Across-Trophic-Level System Simulation) project-whichfocuses on simulating key Everglades system components-relies on code integration. While this represents anecessary first step in analyzing the dynamics of species within the Everglades, it falls short of true modelintegration. We have constructed a methodology called object-oriented physical modeling (OOPM), which allowsa comprehensive knowledge representation to be constructedfor large-scale systems. OOPM enforces theidea that an implementation ofcomputer code can be accomplished in an incremental fashion by starting with aconceptual model and progressing to more detailed models. During this evolutionary procedure, a minimal amountof code is written, since the emphasis is on developing the conceptual model so that it not only represents theintuitive aspects ofthe model, but is also executable. OOPM provides a kind of "blueprint" for ecologists, biologistsand hydrologists to communicate and integrate models effectively. (14 page document)

Description: The purpose of this project was to conduct a pilot project to determine the feasibility ofperforming a study to evaluate the ecological role of alligator holes in the Everglades system andto develop interagency support and a scope of work for future studies. The objectives for the firstyear were to: 1. Review existing information on the ecology of alligator holes and conduct a survey oncurrent complimentary studies.2. Conduct an ecological survey. including mapping and description. of existing alligatorholes.3. Establish interagency cooperation and support for an Alligator Hole Project. Based onthis interagency consultation develop a consensus for priorities for future research andintegration into ecosystem restoration efforts.(96 page document)

Description: Final annual report for year 1. Submitted to: Everglades Agricultural Area Environmental Protection District

Description: The following discussion presents information on human-made reefs and their role--as one tool of many--in the management of both fisheries and habitat. Principal subjects covered in this paper include a definition of marine habitat improvement and determination of its attainment, the present applications of reef construction technology to environmental situations both generally and in three case-studies, and suggested desirable attributes for incorporation into future use of this technology. (PDF has 11 pages.)

Description: Authors’ note: This document was the basis for a keynote presentation at the 2004 World Fisheries Congress, in a session on Marine Fisheries Habitat Improvement. Several of the slides shown there are included here, without captions.

Description: (PDF has 125 pages.)

Description: Work has begun on studying the factors responsible for productivityin the Florida springs, which are nearly constant temperature, constantchemical, steady state giant laboratories. Progress has been made on fiveaspects: qualitative description, quantitative description, completionof knowledge of chemical factors, measurement of productivity , developmentof productivity theory.Measurement of the primary productivity in Silver Springs and GreenCove Springs by two new methods: the raising of organisms in cages, and themeasurement of night & day differences in oxygen downstream agree roughly.Production in these springs is greater than previous production figures reportedfor marine, fresh water, and land areas. Instantaneous measures of production show large variations with season, time of day, cloud cover. Productionestimates range from 11,000 lbs per acre per year to 70,000 lbs. glucose peracre per year during daylight hours.Essential stability of the springs environment has been shown withrespect to temperature, phosphorus, and plant cover. A correlation of speciesnumber with lack of stability has been shown with insects. Quantitativestudies have shown very large plant base to pyramids of mass. Correlationof marine invasion with chlorinity has been shown. The essential aspects ofpH regulated phosphorus geochemistry in Florida have been outlined. Sometheoretical ideas on productivity have been evolved. Mapping of sessileorganisms in springs and taxonomic identification of dominants are halfcompleted. Plans for second six months include measurement of herbivoreand carnivore production rates and completion of food chain efficiencydeterminations in Silver Springs as a preparation for subsequentcomparisons between springs. (34pp.)

Description: Current plant canopy wind flow models require three aerodynamic parametersto predict the effects of wind on sand transport--the plant drag coefficient, Cd, the leafarea density profile, LAD, and the turbulent eddy transfer coefficient, 6,. The LADand Cd characterize the plant canopy and its effects on air flow and, prior to thisstudy, data on these parameters for dune vegetation did not exist. The purpose of thisstudy was to design and test a methodology for measuring the wind drag coefficient ofcoastal dune plants. The objectives were 1) to measure and record the parametersneeded to calculate Cd, namely, the force, relative velocity and air temperature; 2) tomeasure the leaf area density of sea-oats; 3) to validate the method by measuring thequantities needed to compute the drag coefficient for a right circular data exists; and 4) to explore the Reynolds number dependence of the canopy dragcoefficient. (This document has 76 pages.)

Description: Masters

Description: UFL/COEL/92/017

Description: The effect of productivity on species variety has been studied by countsof diatom species on glass slides at favorable and unfavorable stations withinSilver Springs. Species variety has been presented in a measure that is independentof sample size, "species per cycle". This measure is based on the linear increase of accumulated species with logarithmic increase of individuals counted, which has been found approximately true for many kinds of populations in many communities. Diatom productivity was measured by the rate of chlorophyll accumulation. The poor station accumulated diatoms and chlorophyll slowly and was characterized by a large species variety. There was little change after 79 days. The rich station accumulated diatoms and chlorophyll rapidly and was characterized by a small species variety that decreased for 93 days as the density of the population increased. These results indicated that species variet was decreased by conditions of high productivity possibly through the action of high densities and competition.Twelve new diurnal production curves were obtained including two more on Silver Springs and one each for 10 different Florida Springs. A shallow oligohaline spring possessed the highest productivity of 58.0 gm/m2/day; a shaded and anerobic spring possessed the lowest producvitiy of 0.66 gm /m2/day. Findings in further studies in Silver Springs indicated a two fold diurnal chlorophyll fluctuation in the pseudoplankton going downstream, photosynthetic quotients corresponding to carbohydrate production on winter or heavily clouded days, and higher quotients corresponding to protein production on sunny, summer days; evidences that bell jar estimates of respiration in flowing water communities lead to underestimates; recalculation of mean depth of plant beds leads to a 5% estimate of photosynthetic efficiency for Silver Springs (rather than 8%). Correlated with a 20% decrease in the discharge associated with widespread drought in 1954-55 the oxygen of the main boil dropped from 2.5 ppm to 1.7 ppm. A production measurement by the diurnal oxygen and carbon-dioxide curve method was made in a somewhat isolated "boat basin." Efficiency of production in this stationary, plankton containing water of Silver Springs origin was about 1%. Further evidence was obtained of nitrate increase in water flowing from anaerobic springs over blue-green algae. The area based chlorophyll of the benthic Silver Springs community was similar to that in forests and lakes of Europe. (63 pages)

Description: The recreational boating industry is an important component of Florida's economy. Previous Florida Sea Grant College supported research has documented this economic importance to the state's economy in 1980 (see Milon and Riddle, 1983, and Milon et al. 1983). Since that initial research, the manufacturing, retailing, and service sectors comprisingthe industry have continued to grow and prosper as the state's resident and tourist populations increased. This report is an update on the economic significance of the recreational boating industry in Florida since 1980 based on economic indicators of change within the industry. (21pp.)

Description: There is a critical need for accurate data in order to make decisions regarding the construction, emplacement, and further development of artificial reefs in the State of Florida.This study looked a biotic and abiotic parameters of articifial reefs. A data matrix listing reefs on the vertical axis and the associated biotic and a biotic data or attributes available from published and non-pub1ished sources on the horizontal axis created: 1) a compilation of what data were available; 2) an indication of the completeness and extensiveness of the data; 3) a summary of the descriptive statistics of the data; 4) a preliminaryanalysis of the relationship among the biotic and abiotic parameters through correlation analysis; 5) some preliminary modeling of the artificial reefs to form the basis of prediction through stepwise and multiple linearregression analysis. (29pp.)

Description: It has been the purpose of this project to provide the basic biological and geological data together with summary guidelines which will allow the Florida Dept. of Environmental Regulation and project engineers to make the necessary permitting and design decisions for beach nourishment project in worm reef areas. The present workseeks to determine the tolerance of P. lapidosa tosediment burial, the tolerance of these organisms to exposure to hydrogen sulfide, the tolerances of these organisms to heavy silt loads in the water, etc. (37pp.)

Description: The present project was undertaken for the purpose ofestablishing whether a change in harvesting technique -- cutting rather than tearing the sponge loose-- could insure sponge regeneration and thus reducethe possibility of overfishing in the Florida Keys. (14pp.)

Description: IR-82-15

Description: The purpose of this report is to develop and illustrate with examples readily appliedmethodologies for calculating the response of shorelines in the vicinity of beach nourishmentprojects. The need for such methodology is a result of Florida Statutes 161.053(G) and Rule16B-33.024(3)(e) which require, with minor exceptions, coastal structures to be locatedlandward of a thirty- year projection of the Seasonal High Water Shoreline (SHWL). (163pp.)

Description: Prepared for: Division of Beaches and Shores Florida Department of Natural Resources 3900 Commonwealth Boulevard Tallahassee, FL 32399

Description: The critical need to predict the turbidity in water due to fine-grained sediment suspensionunder wave action over mud deposits for sedimentation and erosion studies, as well assorbed contaminant transport, is well known. Since fall velocities of fine sediment particlesare very small, they can be easily transported by hydrodynamic flows such as waves andcurrents. The presence of these particles in the water column affects accoustic transmission,heat absorption and depth of the eutrophic zone (Luettich et al., 1989). Because these sedimentsalso have a strong affinity for sorbing nutrients and toxic chemicals, sediments whichhave been deposited on the bottom may function as a source of contaminants to the watercolumn if they are disturbed by eroding forces resulting, for instance, from wave action. Anoutstanding example of a water body for these problems is Lake Okeechobee, the largestshallow lake in Florida. This lake shows typical signs of artificial eutrophication mainly dueto increased phosphorus loading associated with the surrounding region. Resuspension of sediment at the bottom of Lake Okeechobee composed of fine-grainedmaterial has been examined. A sediment transport model was used to simulate likelytrends in the evolution of the vertical suspended sediment concentration profile resultingfrom wave action, and the corresponding eroded bed depth was calculated through massbalance. Requisite information on characteristic parameters and relationships related tofine sediment erodibility were derived from field sampling of bottom sediment in the lake,and through laboratory experiments using this sediment and lake water. (161pp.)

Description: South Florida Water Management District

Description: A method is presented and illustrated with examples to establishappropriate storm damage reduction and recreational benefits frombeach nourishment projects. Unlike previous methods, benefits toproject adjacent areas are recognized due to sand transport out of theproject area and deposition on adjacent beaches. (31pp.)

Description: This study has evaluated the volumes of beach quality material availablefrom the dredging planned for the deepening of the Pensacola Bay EntranceChannel. Recommendations have been made for volumes and configurations ofplacement on portions of the Perdido Key Unit of Gulf Islands National Seashore. (52pp.)

Description: National Park Service

Description: Prepared For: National Park Service 75 Spring Street, SW Atlanta, GA 30303

Description: This report examines the regulation of mosquito control activities in Florida and makeslegal and institutional recommendations to improve protection of non-target estuarine and marineorganisms.Some of the more important recommendations for modification of mosquito control inFlorida include: clarification of ambiguous mosquito control pesticide labels; strengthening ofsurveillance and reporting requirements; strengthening of enforcement efforts and authority;increased use of Integrated Pest Management techniques; development of alternatives topesticides; increased research to assess the effects of pesticides on non-target organisms;increased funding, particularly for public education, research, and enforcement; utilization ofadministrative and judicial remedies if warranted; and public education. (132pp.)

Description: Florida Department of Natural Resources

Description: Project Number R/FDNR-3A, Florida Department of Natural Resources

Description: The Florida Bay Science Conference provides an opportunity annually for researchers toexchange technical information, share that information with resource managers and otherinterested conference attendees, and establish collaborative partnerships. This year’sconference allows investigators from more than 90 research and monitoring projects theopportunity to highlight their findings in platform and poster presentations.

Description: The Cabo Rojo Salt Flats, at the southwestern tip ofPuerto Rico, provide important autumn stopover and winteringhabitat for migratory shorebirds. I studied the abundanceand distribution of shorebirds and their food resources atthis site during autumn of 1990 and 1991.Small calidrids (primarily Calidris pusilla and C.mauri) were the most abundant shorebirds at the salt flats.The maximum weekly counts of small calidrids in 1990 (2,690)and 1991 (3,532) occurred in mid October. Calidrids foragedprimarily in the Fraternidad lagoon system; roosting tookplace most often at the neighboring Candelaria Lagoon.The macroinvertebrate prey important to calidrids in theFraternidad system were Dasyhelea (Diptera), Trichocorixa(Hemiptera), and Artemia (Anostraca). Changes in invertebrateabundance coincided with fluctuations in salinity. (100 page document)

Description: Research Work Order no. 78

Description: This goals of this research and monitoring effort are to document nesting effortand roughly categorize success of nesting by wading birds in the central Everglades ofFlorida, and to investigate the causes of nonbreeding in a high proportion of the adultwading birds in the ecosystem The latter goal has focused on breeding of White Ibises(Eudocimus albus) and has been approached through 1) understanding the nutritional,behavioral, and hormonal aspects of normal breeding in a captive colony ofScarlet Ibises(considered conspecific to White Ibises) in central Florida, and 2) comparing breeding andnonbreeding wild White Ibises in the Everglades, in their physiology, nutritional state,breeding phenology, contaminant load, and hormonal status. This report covers work onthis project between January and November, 2000. (81 page docoument)

Description: Research Work Order no. 191

Description: 2000 draft Final Annual Report to The U. S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville, Florida

Description: This project was initiated to continue monitoring reproductive responses of wadingbirds in the central Everglades, and to investigate two areas of research considered key tounderstanding and managing wading birds: nestling energetics, and factors affecting foodavailability. This report summarizes the first of two years of work. (101 page document)

Description: Final Report to The U. S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville, Florida

Description: This report documents breeding numbers, reproductive success, and foragingdispersion of long-legged wading birds in the Water Conservation Areas (WCAs) of theEverglades during the first six months of 1993. Briefly, the 1993 spring had abnormallyhigh water and windy conditions throughout the season, and produced poor nesting effort,low to moderate nesting success, and low production of young. Some species, like WoodStorks and White Ibises, did not nest at all in the WCAs. Others, like Great Egrets andTricolored Herons, showed considerably tenacity under the extremely poor nestingconditions. The 1993 season provided a rare chance to record the reproductive responses ofwading birds during sustained high water conditions. (108 page document)

Description: Research Work Order no. 110

Description: Final Report to The U. S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville, Florida

Description: This study investigated the status of fish communitiesin 12 naturally acid Florida lakes. The small, shallowlakes were located in the Ocala National Forest, the TrailRidge, and panhandle Florida; regions where lakes have lowacid neutralizing capacities and are considered sensitive tofurther acidification from anthropogenic sources.Fifteen species from seven families were capturedduring mark-recapture sampling. Warmouth (Lepomis gulosus)was the only cosmopolitan species in the study. Bluegill(Lepomis macrochirus) and largemouth bass (Micropterussalmoides), collected from 11 and 10 lakes, respectively,were also widely distributed species. Total fish abundanceand biomass were not related to lake pH or total alkalinity.(Document has 202 pages)

Description: Research Work Order no. 73

Description: PhD

Description: This document was Cecil Jenning's Ph.D. dissertation submitted to the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, University of Florida.

Description: This report summarizes work done during the 1998 field season on ResearchWork Order 188, for the U.S. Army Corps ofEngineers through the U.S. GeologicalService's Biological Resource Division's Florida Cooperative Research Unit.The goals ofthis work were to continue the monitoring of nesting by waterbirdsin the central and northern Everglades, and to initiate research aimed at understandingwhy a very large proportion ofthe adult wading birds in the Everglades do not initiatenesting in most years.Between January and July of 1998, we performed systematic aerial surveys ofWCAs 1, 2, and 3 ofthe central and northern Everglades in order to locate and documentbreeding colonies ofwading birds. In addition, we performed systematic ground surveysto serve as checks on the aerial work, and to document solitary nesting species, and darkcolored species not easily counted from the air. (88 page document)

Description: Research Work Order no. 188

Description: Final Report to The U. S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville, Florida

Description: The purpose of this study is to provide a better basis for understanding manatee winter abundance andhabitat use patterns along the northern limit of the species' range, thepurposes of this study were to: a) document the degree and nature of manateeuse at two Jacksonville power plants, b) determine the influence of air andwater temperature on manatee use of the plants, c) identify and photographindividual manatees observed in the outfalls, d) document site fidelity, ande) document any local and/or long distance manatee movements. (67 page document)

Description: Prepared for: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 75 Spring Street. S.W. Atlanta. GA 30303

Description: This comprehensive final report summarizes the results of a four-year researchand monitoring effort (1998 - 2001) designed to document nesting effort and success bywading birds, and to investigate the reproductive physiology and ecology of White Ibises(Eudocimus albus) in the Everglades ecosystem. The monitoring of nesting has beenaccomplished bystandardized systematic aerial and ground surveys and study of nestingsuccess of nesting colonies in Water Conservation Areas (WCAs) 2 and 3 ofthe centralEverglades. The White Ibis work was accomplished through 1) investigation of thenutritional, behavioral, and hormonal aspects of "normal" breeding in a captive colony ofScarlet Ibises (Eudocimus ruber, considered by many to be the same species as the WhiteIbis), and 2) documenting the physiology, nutritional state, breeding phenology,contaminant load, and hormonal status of free- living adult White Ibises in the centralEverglades. (364 page document)

Description: Research Work Order no. 191

Description: 2001 final comprehensive report to The U. S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville, Florida

Description: Eglin AFB on Cape San Blas consists of approximately 250 acres located about180 miles east of the main Eglin reservation. This area lies on the S1. Joseph peninsula,part of a dynamic barrier island chain that extends across the northern Gulf of Mexico.Due to the natural forces that formed Cape San Blas and those that maintain this area, St.Joseph Peninsula has experienced severe land form change over time (see GIS land formchange maps). These changes allow for fluctuations in habitat types along Cape San Blas(see GIS land cover change maps)that influence the floral and faunal species using thisarea.The dynamic environment along Cape San Blasincludes flatwoods, interdunalswale, rosemary scrub, and beachfront. These habitats support a wide array of species,including several threatened and endangered species such as the loggerhead sea turtle(Caretta caretta), PipingPlover (Charadnus melodus), Least Tern (Sterna antillarum),and Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus). Proper management of these species and theirhabitats require knowledge of their abundance and distribution, and the effectsdisturbances have on their survival.In addition to threatened and endangered flora and fauna, Cape San Blas alsosupports tourists and recreationists. Although Gulf County is sparsely populated, withapproximately 13,000 inhabitants throughout 578 square miles, summer tourism and heavyrecreational use of beaches for fishing, crabbing, and shelling place continued andincreasing pressure on the natural resources of these areas (Rupert 1991). Gulf County isalso one of the few remaining counties in Florida that permits vehicular traffic on itsbeaches, including Cape San Blas. In addition to recreational use of these habitats;EAFBalso uses the area for military missions. Air Force property on Cape San Blas is primarilyused for radar tracking of flying missions over the Gulf of Mexico, although in recentyears it has been used for missile launchings and other various military activities.To allow continued military and public use of Air Force property while alsoprotecting the unique flora and fauna of the area,EAFB proposed a characterization of theresources found along Cape San Blas. A complete inventory of the physical features of thearea included investigating topography, soil chemistry, hydrology, archeology, and thedynamics of land mass and land cover change over time. Various thematic layers within ageographic information system (GIS) were used to spatially portray georeferenced data.Large scale changes over time were assessed using stereo aerial photography. Vegetationtransects, soil samples, elevation transects, an archeological survey, freshwater wells, anda tidal monitor were used to investigate the remaining features. (247 page document)

Description: 79 page document.

Description: Supported by: U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service Contract No. 14-16-0009-80-038

Description: The following bibliography was compiled for use by the CooperativeFish and Wildlife Unit and their cooperators as an aid in determiningresearch priorities in Florida wetlands. Emphasis was placed on studiesdone on the economic value of wetlands, values to fish and wildlife, methodsof sampling in a wetland area, and restoration practices. Material wasgenerally gathered from studies done in the southeast, however, somerelevant national papers were also included. (35 page document)

Description: Supported by: U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service Contract No. 14-16-0009-80-038 November

Description: The Suwannee River sill was constructed following extensive wildfires during1954-1955, with the intent of protecting the swamp and surrounding uplands from effectsof wildfires. During subsequent years, concern was raised that the dam might beadversely affecting the swamp ecology by extending periods of inundation, increasingwater depths, and subsequently affecting swamp vegetation. Delineating the effects ofthe Suwannee River sill on the swamp hydrologic environment and vegetationdistributions, in the process of exploring relationships among driving functions andlandscape responses, was a purpose of this research.(834 page document)

Description: Supported by: U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service Contract No. 14-16-0009-80-038 November

Description: Registered boats less than 26 feet in Florida have expanded from 449,995 in 1982 to 620,548 in 1993,a 38 percent increase. Boats of this size are likely to be trailered to boat ramps for access towater bodies in and around the state. This increased demand for boat ramps has been accompanied bymany studies and surveys indicating a need for more public boat ramps and that existing ramps needimprovement. This report covers boat ramp issues and boaters' willingness to pay for manatee protection. (106pp.)

Description: National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce

Description: NA 36RG-0070,

Description: This report presents the results of laboratory studies which were carried out in the Coastaland Oceanographical Engineering Laboratory to investigate the effects of ground water tableelevations on the beach profile changes over the swash zone. The experiment was conducted atthree different water table levels while the other experimental conditions were fixed to constantvalues with regular waves. The water table levels included (1) normal water table level whichis the same as mean sea level, (2) a higher level and (3) a lower level than the mean sealevel. Special attention was given to the higher water level to investigate whether this levelenhances erosion of the beach face and also to methods of interpreting the experimental data.The experiment described herein was carried out with a fairly fine sand and has demonstratedthe significance of beach water table on profile dynamics. The increased water table levelcaused distinct effects in three definite zones. First, erosion occurred at the base of the beachface and the sand eroded was carried up and deposited on the upper portion of the beachface. Secondly, the bar trough deepened considerably and rapidly and the eroded sand wasdeposited immediately landward. This depositional area changed from mildly erosional tostrongly depositional. Third, the area seaward of the bar eroded with a substantial deepening.The lowered water table appeared to result in a much more stable beach and the resultingeffects were much less. The only noticeable trend was a limited deposition in the scour area atthe base of the beach face. (Document has 37 pages.)

Description: The feeding ecology of Black Skimmers (Rynchops niger) wasstudied at Cedar Key and St. Vincent's National Wildlife Refuge on the Florida Gulf coast during the winters of 1979 and 1980, respectively. Objectives of the study were to: 1) delineate characteristics of Black Skimmer winter feeding habitat, 2)monitor the prey resource and prey selection by wintering Black Skimmers, 3) describe social, temporal and spatial aspects of winter foraging, and 4) develop recommendations for Black Skimmer feeding habitat management. (Document has 92 pages; not full text searchable)

Description: Cape San Bias is located on a barrier spit, St. Joseph peninsula, between St. Joseph Bay and the Gulf of Mexico in Gulf County, Florida (Fig. 1). Locally, the name of the cape is often used to refer to the entire peninsula. St. JosephPeninsula State Park (SJPSP) comprises the northern 10 miles of the 22 mile-long peninsula. This section is closed to development and provides protection for representative coastal habitats, including sand dune and scrub pine. Two other parks are found on the peninsula, Joe B. Rish Park, a state-managed facility for the handicapped, and county-managed Salinas Park. Much of the cape itself fallsunder the domain of Eglin Air Force Base (AFB) (775 acres), and includes 2.8 miles of shoreline. The remainder of the peninsula is privately owned land developed principally for beach residences. All beach on the peninsula below mean highwater is state-owned with Gulf County exercising proprietary jurisdiction. Cape San Bias (outside the state park) is the only area in the Florida panhandle, other than short stretches of shore in Walton County, where beach driving is still allowed. Vehicular access to the shore is managed by Gulf County under a permit system. Although beach driving is valued by local surf anglers and beachfarers, concerns have been raised regarding its effects on beachfarer safety, habitat quality, and wildlife, particularly locally occurring species that are federally listed as endangered or threatened. Eglin AFB property on the cape is believed to provide important regional habitat for a variety of nesting and migrant shorebirds, as well as nesting loggerhead marine turtles (Caretta caretta). The objectives of this study were to (1) determine the magnitude and types of vehicular traffic on Eglin AFB property; (2) assess current knowledge of federally listed species on Cape San Bias to determine distribution, habitat needs and other biological requirements; (3) conduct surveys of marine turtle nesting activities in cooperation with other entities on the peninsula; (4) assess the relationship between human/vehicular disturbance and the federally listed species; (5) conduct a winter survey of federally listed shorebirds on Air Force property; and (6) providemanagement options. (Document has 58 pages)

Description: Seasonal fluctuations in rainfall occur naturally in Florida, historically producing correspondingly large intra-annual and inter-annual fluctuations in lake water levels. As a result, "normal" lake levels are elusive; the norm is for wide fluctuations, a pattern which earned them the descriptive title, "astatic", or unstable (Brenner et. al. 1990). Lake Kissimmee, in Osceola County, FL, had a mean average water level fluctuation of 1.4 meters, but over several years varied as much as 3.7 meters (Grocki 1975).The substrate and vegetative communities, in part, reflect the pattern of hydrologic fluctuations, their timing, duration, and frequency. Topographic variability in lake systems, coupled with their hydrologic patterns, yield a mosaic of shrubby, emergent and submerged plant habitats in the littoral zone of the lake. Fish and wildlife have adapted accordingly, and successfully forage and reproduce in these highly fluctuating systems. Installation and operation of water control structures over the past 40 to 50 years have dampened the degree of hydrologic fluctuations in many Florida lakes, resulting in long term stabilization oflake levels [Holcomb and Wegener 1971, Wegener et. al. 1974, Fox et. al. 1977, Moyer and Williams 1982, Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission (GFC) 1995]. The mean annual flux on Lake Kissimmee was reduced from 1.4 meters to 0.9 meters (Wegener et al 1973). In addition, increased nutrient inputs to Florida's watersheds from agricultural and urban development have resulted in lake eutrophication (Wegener et. al. 1974, Moyer and Williams 1982). As nutrients increased and water levels stabilized, rooted aquatic macrophytes expanded and organic debris accumulated to form undesirable lake substrates. Fish populations suffer from drops in accumulated to form undesirable lake substrates. Fish populations suffer from drops in dissolved oxygen associated with decaying algae and plant matter, the alteration of plant community composition, and poor habitat quality of the substrate (Wegener and Williams 1974).To remedy these problems in Florida lakes, the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission initiated a lake restoration program in 1971 which emphasizes the use of a lake draw down to expose sediments (GFC 95). The objective ofthe program is to reduce undesirable plant species, expand desirable plant communities, and consolidate flocculent organic sediments (Holcomb and Wegener 1971, Wegener et. al. 1974, Fox et.al. 1977, Cooke 1980, Tarver 1980, GFC 1995). In addition, muck removal operations following lake level draw downs are meant to resolve the problem of extensive build up of organic sediments (GFC 1995, Moyer et. al. 1995). The goal of the draw down and restoration activity is to improve aquatic habitat in support of fisheries and wildlife whileimproving lake quality for recreational usage (e.g. sport fishing) (Wegener and Williams 1974, Tarver 1980,. GFC 1995). The Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission (GFC), in cooperation with the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD), conducted a draw down ofLake Kissimmee from December 1995- June 1996, dropping lake levels by approximately 1.7 meters. The Lake Kissimmee draw down provided an excellent opportunity to investigate the impact of management techniques on an invertebrate which is a critical component of the central lakes food web, the Florida apple snail (Pomacea paludosa, SAY). Although data on the responses of some invertebrate species 2 to draw downs in central Florida are available (Wegener et. al. 1974, Fox et. al. 1977, Butler et. al. 1992), no published studies document the responses of P. paludosa. The Florida apple snail belongs to the tropical family of aquatic snails, Pilidae, which inhabitant wetland areas in Florida, Central and South America, Africa and India. Most Pilidae habitat typically (under natural hydrologic patterns) experiences a seasonal dry down, and the Florida apple snail is no exception. Pilidae snails utilize both a lung and gill for respiration (Andrews 1965). The dual respiratory system enables these animals to tolerate daily and seasonal dissolved oxygen fluctuations, permits egg-laying above water level (eggs thus avoid hypoxia and predation), and, in some Pilid species, enables adults to maintain aerobic respiration during the dry-season (McClary 1964, Burky et al. 1972, Aldridge 1983). Apple snails are critical components of lake food webs in Florida. They are prey to alligators (Alligator mississippiensis)( Delany and Abercrombie 1986), fish (Lepomismicrolophus)(Chable 1947), turtles (Trionyxferox) (Dalrymple 1977), and ibis (Eudocimus albus)(Kushlan 1974). Apple snails comprise over 75% ofthe diet of the limpkins (Aramus guaraunaXCottam 1942), and nearly 100% ofthe diet of endangered snail kite (Rostramus sociabilis)(Snyder and Snyder 1969). Although the majority of the snail kite population occupies wetland habitats in south Florida throughout the year, they have been found to emigrate from this area when the dry season escalates into a prolonged drought (Beissinger and Takekawa 1983, Bennetts and Kitchens 1997). Researchers have identified the central lakes system as a critical refuge for the snail kite during these droughts (Beissinger and Takekawa 1983, Bennetts and Kitchens 1997). In 3 addition, the kites have been consistently nesting (even in non-drought years) on LakeKissimmee and Lake Tohopekaliga since the early 1980's, providing further support (in the form of suitable foraging and nesting habitat) for the endangered kite population(Beissinger and Takekawa 1983, Bennetts and Kitchens 1997).The impetus for the Lake Kissimmee draw down is habitat improvement for fisheries and wildlife (GFC 1995). A conservation priority ranking system for Florida wildlife identifies the snail kite and limpkin, largely due to their specialized diet of apple snails, as deserving special attention for monitoring and management (Milsap et. a1.1990).Moyer et a1. 1991 specifically recommended an evaluation ofthe impact of lake draw downs on apple snails. In this report we present the findings of a three-year studyofthe immediate and long term impacts ofthe Lake Kissimmee draw down and restoration activity on apple snail populations. The objectives ofthis research are asfollows:• To study the impacts oflake restoration activity (e.g. draw down, muck removal)on snail populations in several sites throughout the lake by assessing pre-drawdown and post-draw down snail abundance~• To study the movement patterns of snails to find out what proportion ofthepopulation migrates to deeper water or become stranded in the dry down area aslake levels recede;• To study the capacity for snails to survive in dry down conditions (Document has 55 pages)

Description: A comparison between a 1985 photo-interpreted vegetation mapand a vegetation map made from classified 1987 satellite data ofthe Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge showed that 81% ofsamples taken in areas occupied by cattail (Typha sp.) on thephoto-interpreted map corresponded with cattail on the satellitedata map.(5 page document)

Description: To predict the hydrodynamics of lakes, estuaries and shallow seas, a two 'dimensionalnumerical model is developed using the method of fractional steps. Thegoverning equations, i.e., the vertically integrated Navier-Stokes equations of fluidmotion, are solved through three steps: advection, diffusion and propagation. Thecharacteristics method is used to solve the advection, the alternating direction implicitmethod is applied to compute the diffusion, and the conjugate gradient iterativemethod is employed to calculate the propagation. Two ways to simulatethe moving boundary problem are studied. The first method is based on the weirformulation. The second method is based on the assumption that a thin water layerexists over the entire dry region at all times. A number of analytical solutions areused to validate the model. The model is also applied to simulate the wind drivencirculation in Lake Okeechobee, Florida.(135 page document)

Description: Production measurements at different times of the year indicate a linear relationship of light intensity and overall production at about 8% of the visible light energy reaching plant level. Measurements of a coral reef at Eniwetok indicate 6%. Further evidence of breeding at all seasons but with a quantitative pulse in the seasons of maximum light indicates that the seasonal fluctuation in primary production is routed through reproduction rather than through major changes in populations. The succession of plants and anmals of the aufwuchs has been shown with glass slides and counts from Sagittaria blades. Losss of oxygen bubbles during the day and emergence of aquatic insects at night have been measured with funnels. Bell jar measurements are reported for bacterial metabolism on mud surfaces. pH determined CO2 uptake agrees with titration determinations. A few rough estimates of herbivore production have been made from caged snails, aufwuchs succession, and fish tagging. Nitrate uptake a night by aufwuchs communities has been confirmed in a circulating microcosm experiment as well as in bell jars in the springs. Distributions of oxygen and organisms have been used to criticize the saprobe stream classification system. Theoretical consideration of maximum photosynthetic rates in teh literature data indicates logarithmic rate variation inversely with organismal size just as for respiratory metabolism. Extreme pyramid shapes are thus shown for communities in which organismal size decreases up the food chain and for other communities with the same energy influx but with organismal size increasing up the food chain. Literature data is used to further demonstrate the validity of the optimum efficiency-maximum power principle for photosynthesis. Work on plants by Dr. Delle Natelson indicates essential stability of aquatic plant communities after 3 years and about 10-20% reproducibility in previous biomass estimates by Davis. Work on an animal picture of the fishery characteristics by Caldwell, Barry, and Odum is half completed. The study of aquatic insects in relationship to spring gradients by W.C. Sloan has been completed an an M.S. thesis. J. Yount has begun a study of affect of total productivity on community composition using aufwuchs organisms on glass slides placed in different current and light conditions in Silver Springs. (49pp.)

Description: Water Conservation Area 3 is the largest of the water conservation areas covering approximately 2442 km2 (914 mi2). The habitats within this area of central Evergladesmarsh range from sloughs and wet prairies to sawgrass, brush, and tree islands. Elevation in WCA 3 ranges from 4 m (13 ft) in the north to 2.4 (6 ft) in the south (Schortemeyer 1980). This elevation gradient along with micro-elevation patterns, fire, and water management practices help to determine the distribution ofthe various habitats. Tree islands are areas that are slightly higher in elevation than the surrounding marsh where woody vegetation grows. Tree islands may foml over rock outcrops or as a result of the build up of peat deposits. Tree islands cover approximately 1-2% ofWCA 3 and are one of the most distinguishing features of the Everglades (Loveless 1959). They are important ecologically as sites ofhigh botanical species richness and as habitat for species such as wading birds, alligators, turtles, and deer. Tree islands are an integration ofmany processes operating over a range oftemporal and spatial scales. Changes in water management practices in south Florida since the 18008 have impacted the distribution and health oftree islands. In WCA 3, over drainage in the north has lead to soil oxidation and to an increase in fire risk. During the 1970s many tree islands were burned as a result of wildfires (Schortemeyer 1980). In the south, alterations in natural hydropatterns resulted in the loss of tree islands due to flooding. Because tree islands are one of the distinguishing features of the Everglades landscape and provide habitat for a wide range of plants and animals restoration efforts need to ensure their conservation. To do this, the impacts of alternative restoration plans on tree islands need to be evaluated using a linkage of site specific biological· inventories with landscape level evaluation. Tree islands are not distributed evenly throughout the WCA 3~ therefore, the impacts of changes in hydrology on tree island condition will vary spatially. In evaluating alternative scenarios it will be important to target areas that include areas where conditions are currently suitable for tree islands as well as those areas where conditions are too wet or too dry. This report summarizes the spatial patterns of hydrologic conditions in WCA 3 for the period 1991-1995 and discusses how this type of information can be used with data on tree island distribution and condition to evaluate the effects ofalternative hydrologic scenarios on tree islands. (Document has 20pp.)

Description: Research Work Order no. 184

Description: (113 page document)

Description: Research Work Order no. 193

Description: This Research Work Order includes three experiments to look at apple snail dry downsurvival as a function of age and season. Two of those experiments have been completedand the third one will likely run through February (depending on snail survival). The thirdexperiment began on September 2 1, 1998. The detailed results of Experiment # 1 and #2were reported in the update report of 10/15/98. The overall survival for Experiments #I and#2 are included herein for comparison with Experiment #3. (7 page document)

Description: Research Work Order no. 182

Description: The West Indian manatee's metabolic physiology constrains it to subtropical and tropicalregions. In waters of the United States, a manatee's ability to find reliable warm-water refugiaduring winter cold periods is critical to its survival. This report documents how radio-taggedmanatees used a network of 14 industrial and 3 "natural" warm-water sites along the east coastof Florida and Georgia duringwinter. Most industrial sites were powerplant discharges but alsoincluded pulp mill effluents. TheU. S. Geological Survey's SireniaProject tracked 71 manateesover 12 winter seasons (1986-1998) using field-based VHF radio-telemetry and Argos satellite based telemetry.Thirty-seven individuals weretracked over periodsofat least 100daysbetween November and March of a given winter, manyfor multiple years. Presence at a warmwaterrefugewasdefinedas a location occurring within 200m (for a VHF field observation) orwithin 1 km (for a satellite-determined location) ofthe site. (133 page document)

Description: Sirenia Project, Florida Caribbean Science Center, U.S. Geological Survey

Description: Final Report Prepared for: Florida Power and Light Company Environmental Services Dept. 700 Universe Blvd. Juno Beach, FL 33408 and U.S. Geological Survey, Florida Caribbean Science Center, Sirenia Project 412 NE 16th Ave., Rm. 250 Gainesville, FL 32601

Description: The South Florida Ecosystem encompasses an area of approximately 28,000 km2 comprising at least 11major physiographic provinces, including the Kissimmee River Valley, Lake Okeechobee, the Immokalee Rise, theBig Cypress, the Everglades, Florida Bay, the Atlantic Coastal Ridge, Biscayne Bay, the Florida Keys, the FloridaReef Tract, and nearshore coastal waters. South Florida is a heterogeneous system of wetlands, uplands, coastalareas, and marine areas, dominated by the watersheds of the Kissimmee River, Lake Okeechobee, and theEverglades.Prior to drainage, wetlands dominated the ecosystem, covering most of central and southern Florida. Thelandscapes included swamp forests; sawgrass plains; mosaics of sawgrass, tree islands, and ponds; marl-formingprairies dominated by periphyton; wet prairies dominated by Eleocharis and Nymphaea; freshwater marshes;saltwater marshes; cypress strands; and a vast lake-river system draining into Lake Okeechobee. Elevated areasthat did not flood supported pine flatwoods, pine rocklands, scrub, tropical hardwood hammocks, and xerichammocks dominated by oaks. The natural seascapes of South Florida consisted of riverine and fringe mangroveforests; beaches and dunes; seagrass beds; intertidal flats; mud banks; hardbottom communities; coral reefs; andopen, inshore shallows. All these habitats were interconnected on an extremely low topographic gradient (2.8cm/km) with elevations ranging from about 6 m at Lake Okeechobee to below sea level at Florida Bay.The Science SUb-Group (1993) described the defining characteristics of the South Florida Ecosystem and the problems that resulted from hydrologic alterations and other anthropogenic changes.Restoration objectives were proposed for each sub-regionand the region as a whole.The overall goal of the restoration effort is to restore a sustainable South Florida Ecosystem that preservesthe valued properties of South Florida's natural systems and supports productive agriculture-, fishery-, and tourist.based economies and a high quality of urban life. Sustainability means high natural productivity, human andecosystem health, and resiliency to climatic extremes and catastrophic events. It also means accommodation ofneeds of human systems-flood control, irrigation, and drinking water supply.SCOPEThis section addresses the entire ecosystem, cutting across the artificial boundaries of designatedsubregions, as well as geopolitical and geomorphological boundaries, to present the broader issues of deVelopingan interagency and interdisciplinary ecosystem-based science program to support South Florida restoration. Herewe discuss the general premise and the general approach, with brief discussions on monitoring, modeling, andspecial studies. The latter two topics are covered in greater detail in other sections. (PDF contains 119 pages)

Description: Research Work Order no. 139

Description: Science sub-meeting, September 27, 1994