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 Lazy days of summer
 Lake user survey results
 Featured bird: green heron
 Volunteer bulletin board
 Alligators in Florida
 New regulations on measuring saltwater...
 Survey results (cont.)
 Apple snails in Florida


FLAG IFAS UF



Florida Lakewatch newsletter
ALL VOLUMES CITATION SEARCH THUMBNAILS PDF VIEWER PAGE IMAGE ZOOMABLE
Full Citation
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Permanent Link: http://ufdc.ufl.edu/UF00055470/00026
 Material Information
Title: Florida Lakewatch newsletter
Physical Description: v. : ill. ; 28 cm.
Language: English
Creator: Florida LAKEWATCH
Publisher: Dept. of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences of the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) at the University of Florida (UF)
Place of Publication: Gainesville FL
Creation Date: 2006
Frequency: irregular
completely irregular
 Subjects
Subjects / Keywords: Lakes -- Periodicals -- Florida   ( lcsh )
Genre: government publication (state, provincial, terriorial, dependent)   ( marcgt )
periodical   ( marcgt )
serial   ( sobekcm )
 Notes
General Note: Description based on v. 9 (spring 1997); title from caption.
General Note: Latest issue consulted: v. 33 (2006).
 Record Information
Source Institution: University of Florida
Rights Management: All rights reserved by the source institution and holding location.
Resource Identifier: oclc - 65383070
lccn - 2006229159
System ID: UF00055470:00026

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This item has the following downloads:

FLWVol35 ( PDF )


Table of Contents
    Lazy days of summer
        Page 1
    Lake user survey results
        Page 1
        Page 2
    Featured bird: green heron
        Page 3
    Volunteer bulletin board
        Page 4
    Alligators in Florida
        Page 5
    New regulations on measuring saltwater fish
        Page 6
    Survey results (cont.)
        Page 7
    Apple snails in Florida
        Page 8
Full Text



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LAKEWATCH
Deiae to Shrn Informatio About -.. Wae Maaemn an th Floid LAKEAT Prga VoueX


Lazy bays of
Summer...What will you do?
With summer upon us,
LAKEWATCH has dedicated most of
this newsletter to several activities
that many find themselves enjoying
during the summer months.
If you plan on fishing, read the
article from the Fish and Wildlife
Conservation Commision on page 6
about how to properly measure any
fish you catch. Then you'll always be
sure that nice fish you hooked is a
keeper-or not!
If you plan on enjoying the wildlife
around your water there are several
articles to help you get started and
stay safe. Check out the helpful
information on page 5 about alligators
and the safety tips listed on page 8.
The featured bird described on page
3 is a secretive bird and can be
difficult to see-but it is definitely
worth the effort! Check out the article
on the last page discussing the
differences between the native and
exotic apple snail found in Florida!


activities you choose to do this summer!
Finally, there are some preliminary
results discussed from the lake user
survey which many of you completed
and returned. We were surprised with
one of the results-check out the lead
article on page 1 to learn more about
how Floridians use their lakes. We
also discuss, in depth, one of those
uses-jet skis and how to stay safe
using them.
Whatever you decide to do, we
hope this information helps you to be
safe and have a wonderful summer
enjoying the waters of Florida!


Lake User Survey Results:

"A lake cannot be all things to all people."


Florida LAKEWATCH personnel recently
developed and distributed a lake user
survey to help the Southwest Florida Water
Management District (SWFWMD) refine
current Aesthetics Standards and
Recreation/Ski Standards. The survey
looked at how lake water level may impact


these standards. A
survey with 60
questions was
developed with
reviews and
comments from
SWFWMD staff.
To insure that a
wide range of user
groups
participated, five
mailing lists were
obtained from:
Florida Boating
Registrations,
Florida Freshwater
Fishing License
Holders, Florida
LAKEWATCH
Volunteers, Florida


Lake Management Society (FLMS)
members, and Florida members of the
North American Lake Management Society
(NALMS). From those lists, random
samples of individuals who reside within the
boundaries of SWFWMD were sent the
survey. There was a total of 2563 surveys
sent and of those 964 were filled out and
returned yielding a return rate of 38%. The
lowest percentage of returned surveys was
from the fishing license holders with only
21% returns. The highest percentage of
returned surveys was from LAKEWATCH
volunteers with 58% (good job volunteers)!
While analyses continue on the returned
survey data, we wanted to share results
from one question showing the
percentages of how people are using their


lakes. Question 5 from the Lake User Survey
asked respondents to rank the amount of time
they spent doing 12 different lake user activities.
All activities were conducted by at least some of
the respondents. However, as Figure 1 shows,
sailing and jet skiing are the two activities done
least while fishing and sitting to enjoy the lake are


- T :


Summary ofthe percentage of time which survey respondents reported using lakes
fora list of 12 different lake use activities. The activities are listed on the let in
order ofleast use (on top--saiing) to most use (on bottom--sit and enjoy)


the activities done most often. These are
interesting data because while jet skiing was one
of the activities done least it is a topic that
generates many questions at LAKEWATCH
meetings. With that said we hope the information
that follows will help answer some of the
questions that we commonly receive on jet skis.
Introduction to Jet Skis
Jet Skis. You either love 'em or you hate 'em.
With the proliferation of jet skis in the last 20
Jet Skis continued on page 2

UNIVERSITY OF

FLORIDA

IFAS


Question 5 Responses


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Perc.nlage of Tola, Responses


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-KEW I H-H





LAKEWATCH
Deiae to Shrn Informatio About -.. Wae Maaemn an th Floid LAKEAT Prga VoueX


Lazy bays of
Summer...What will you do?
With summer upon us,
LAKEWATCH has dedicated most of
this newsletter to several activities
that many find themselves enjoying
during the summer months.
If you plan on fishing, read the
article from the Fish and Wildlife
Conservation Commision on page 6
about how to properly measure any
fish you catch. Then you'll always be
sure that nice fish you hooked is a
keeper-or not!
If you plan on enjoying the wildlife
around your water there are several
articles to help you get started and
stay safe. Check out the helpful
information on page 5 about alligators
and the safety tips listed on page 8.
The featured bird described on page
3 is a secretive bird and can be
difficult to see-but it is definitely
worth the effort! Check out the article
on the last page discussing the
differences between the native and
exotic apple snail found in Florida!


activities you choose to do this summer!
Finally, there are some preliminary
results discussed from the lake user
survey which many of you completed
and returned. We were surprised with
one of the results-check out the lead
article on page 1 to learn more about
how Floridians use their lakes. We
also discuss, in depth, one of those
uses-jet skis and how to stay safe
using them.
Whatever you decide to do, we
hope this information helps you to be
safe and have a wonderful summer
enjoying the waters of Florida!


Lake User Survey Results:

"A lake cannot be all things to all people."


Florida LAKEWATCH personnel recently
developed and distributed a lake user
survey to help the Southwest Florida Water
Management District (SWFWMD) refine
current Aesthetics Standards and
Recreation/Ski Standards. The survey
looked at how lake water level may impact


these standards. A
survey with 60
questions was
developed with
reviews and
comments from
SWFWMD staff.
To insure that a
wide range of user
groups
participated, five
mailing lists were
obtained from:
Florida Boating
Registrations,
Florida Freshwater
Fishing License
Holders, Florida
LAKEWATCH
Volunteers, Florida


Lake Management Society (FLMS)
members, and Florida members of the
North American Lake Management Society
(NALMS). From those lists, random
samples of individuals who reside within the
boundaries of SWFWMD were sent the
survey. There was a total of 2563 surveys
sent and of those 964 were filled out and
returned yielding a return rate of 38%. The
lowest percentage of returned surveys was
from the fishing license holders with only
21% returns. The highest percentage of
returned surveys was from LAKEWATCH
volunteers with 58% (good job volunteers)!
While analyses continue on the returned
survey data, we wanted to share results
from one question showing the
percentages of how people are using their


lakes. Question 5 from the Lake User Survey
asked respondents to rank the amount of time
they spent doing 12 different lake user activities.
All activities were conducted by at least some of
the respondents. However, as Figure 1 shows,
sailing and jet skiing are the two activities done
least while fishing and sitting to enjoy the lake are


- T :


Summary ofthe percentage of time which survey respondents reported using lakes
fora list of 12 different lake use activities. The activities are listed on the let in
order ofleast use (on top--saiing) to most use (on bottom--sit and enjoy)


the activities done most often. These are
interesting data because while jet skiing was one
of the activities done least it is a topic that
generates many questions at LAKEWATCH
meetings. With that said we hope the information
that follows will help answer some of the
questions that we commonly receive on jet skis.
Introduction to Jet Skis
Jet Skis. You either love 'em or you hate 'em.
With the proliferation of jet skis in the last 20
Jet Skis continued on page 2

UNIVERSITY OF

FLORIDA

IFAS


Question 5 Responses


fl, .Al~.fjlnlfll.a


- J j hr .,31nr.-i


P) 1ce ; n) ag) J o To) :Re ) o
Perc.nlage of Tola, Responses


S I T, : I T ,,,, : 1 ,,11, I T,,


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.C. congratulations LAKEWATCHers! It's time to bake a cake and light the candles. The
at a Florida LAKEWATCH (FLW) program will be 20 years old on August 16, 2006!
The first thing we'd like to do is thank our volunteers, past and present. Because of you,
FLW is one of the largest, most successful volunteer water monitoring programs in the country-
& truly something to celebrate.
Through these 20 years, volunteers have sampled in 57 counties on a total of 2,117 water
bodies including 1,373 lakes, 289 coastal sites, 247 river sites, 10 springs and 198 special
samples.
Aside from just sheer sampling duties, the program has matured in other ways; we've developed active partnerships
with a host of federal, state, county, city and private entities to better serve Florida's citizenry. We've facilitated a constant
flow of information and dialogue concerning water management. We thank every single one of these groups/organizations
for working with us.
FLW also processes thousands of data requests each year, along with a number of informational circulars, scientific
publications, graduate student projects, etc. Not bad for a program that began with the simple idea that citizens could collect
their own water samples and then work together with scientists, politicians, water managers and others to increase our
knowledge about Florida's vast aquatic habitats. To coin a phrase, "it takes a village to manage a lake." We thank everyone
who has contributed and continues to make this program a success, year after year.


Jet Skis continued frompage 1.
years, it seems time to address some of the
issues associated with their use. Since
some lake users believe that jet skis are
"ruining" their lakes, efforts have been
made to regulate, control, and even ban
their use in some Florida water bodies. This
newsletter article looks into the various pros
and cons concerning Jet Ski usage on
water bodies and what can or cannot be
done to manage their operation in a
responsible manner.
Several types of watercraft are
commonly referred to as "jet skis". There
are the true jet skis that are operated from a
standing position and there are Sea-Doos
and Wave-Runners, designed for operation
in a sitting position. In this article, we refer
to this group of motorized watercraft that
use hydraulic jet-drive systems instead of
propellers for propulsion as Personal Water
Craft, or PWC for short. Remember that
PWC are actually just small powerboats.
Larger propeller-driven powerboats,
including ski boats, bass boats, pontoon
boats, and pleasure craft, can also cause
many of the problems attributed to PWC
use.
Water Quality
Some people are concerned about the
potential for PWC to influence water
chemistry by re-suspending bottom
sediments, increasing nutrient
concentrations, and causing increased
algal growth. However, both jet-driven and
propeller-driven watercraft can re-suspend
bottom sediments, especially in shallow
water lakes. In general, larger propeller-
driven boats with higher horsepower
engines cause greater disturbance of


bottom sediments than PWC. While several
states restrict PWC operation in near-shore
waters less than two feet deep, it is primarily for
safety reasons.
Waves created by watercraft can cause
shoreline erosion that increases turbidity and
contributes to less water clarity. Larger boats
with greater hull displacement and higher
horsepower engines create larger waves, while
PWC, displace less water, creating smaller
wakes and waves. Some factors to consider in
determining whether shoreline erosion will occur
include: shoreline material (rocks, sand, clay,
etc.), shoreline slope, near-shore water depth,
and vegetative cover that may dampen the
energy of waves before reaching shorelines.
Other influences on water chemistry
associated with all powerboats include exhaust
emissions from burning gasoline and motor oil.
Hydrocarbon concentrations in water may
increase as a result of burning fossil fuels in any
type of motorized vessel. Hydrocarbons from
burned and unburned gasoline have been
suspected of causing changes in the taste and
odor of both fish and water. While there is
evidence that this may occur in marina basins
where many boats are confined in small areas
with poor water exchange, in most open waters
where PWC are operated there is little evidence
that there is a problem.
How do PWC compare with larger propeller-
driven boats concerning fuel efficiency? The
water-jet propulsion engines of PWC are
actually very fuel efficient when compared to
standard 2-cycle outboard motors therefore, less
unburned gasoline enters the water from PWC.
Older models of 2-cycle outboard motors (pre-
1977) discharge an average of 10-27% of their
fuel, unburned, into the water. However, the
newer well-tuned 2-cycle outboards have been
improved to the point where less than 1% of the


unburned fuel enters the water. Four-cycle
outboard motors are even more fuel
efficient because oil for engine lubrication
is not mixed with the gasoline and is not
burned.
Impacts on Aquatic Plants and Wildlife
The water-jet propulsion systems used
by PWC are safer for swimmers and are
less damaging to aquatic plants than
propeller propulsion systems. Water-jet
propulsion systems emit a powerful
stream of water to create the force used to
propel the PWC. The water-jet will not hurt
swimmers or chop aquatic plants into
pieces like a propeller can. However,
direct damage to aquatic plant beds in ten
feet of water has been caused by the
propeller wash from large ski boat's during
the initiation of water-skiing runs.
While the force created by the PWC jet
stream may be able to dislodge and
uproot plants in shallow areas, this may
not be as great a problem because PWC
have less thrust and less hull resistance.
Also, fragments of aquatic plants tend to
clog the water intakes of the water-jet
propulsion system causing the PWC to
lose power. Because the ride is over until
the plant fragments are cleaned from the
water intakes, most PWC operators stay
in the open water of lakes and try to avoid
shallow areas with dense growths of
aquatic plants.
It has been proposed that turbulence
caused by watercraft in shallow water
may also influence fish nesting areas and
could lead to increased mortality of the
eggs and fry. This proposal has not been
substantiated because no significant
Jet Skis continued on page 7








Gree Hern Feture Bir
(Butoridesvrce)


I


The green heron is fairly common
in small lakes, ponds, marshes,
estuaries and wooded streams across
much of North America. This bird is
also known as the green-backed heron.
The green heron is distributed
throughout North America, Central
America and the West Indies. There
are two species of heron that resemble
the green heron-the striated heron
(Butorides striata) and the Galapagos
heron (Butorides
sundevalli). These two
species have geographically
distinct areas from the
green heron. The striated
heron is located in the sub-
tropical regions of the
Americas, Africa and Asia.
The Galapagos heron is
endemic to the Galapagos
Islands located in the Pacific
Ocean off of South America.
The green heron is a
small, stocky wading bird
that attains a height of
about 16-18 inches with a
wingspan of 25-27 inches. It
has an overall dark
appearance with blackish
wings that have a greenish or bluish
gloss. The neck is chestnut brown the
chin is white, and the under parts of the
body are gray. This bird has a greenish
black cap on the head and a crest that
is not always visible. The green heron
has a long dark pointed bill and eyes
and legs that are either orange or
yellow. Its neck is fairly long and is
usually kept tucked in closely to its
body. However, the green heron's neck
and legs are relatively shorter when
compared to other herons. The sexes
are similar in appearance but the
females are generally a little smaller
and usually lighter in color.
This is a secretive bird and can be
difficult to see. It often will not flush
unless closely approached and then it
will blast off with a loud, explosive
squawking "skeow" and fly quickly to
the nearest safe cover. In flight, this
bird will resemble a crow but with
slower, deeper wing beats. The green
heron forages in swamps, along creeks


include -
bread
crusts
insects -' A s .**
twigs -
feathers, -
worms and leaves.
The summer breeding range is from
Canada through Central America while
avoiding the higher, drier areas of the
continent. They tend to be solitary birds and
usually group in loose colonies only when
nesting. The male green heron chooses a
nesting site before selecting a mate. This
monogamous bird breeds in swampy
thickets and the male will defend his nesting
territory both before and after mating with
one female per season. He attracts a mate
with his choice of nesting sites and an
interesting courtship display where he erects
his neck plumes, swells his throat and calls
while hopping from foot to foot in front of the
female!
Both the male and female help build a
concealed nest out of sticks placed in a


and streams, marshes, ponds, lake edges,
salt marshes and pastures.
When hunting, the green heron crouches
low and stands motionless near water
waiting to ambush its prey. It grabs the prey
with a sudden darting of the head and neck.
Some favorite food items include small fish,
insects, frogs, invertebrates, mollusks, small
reptiles and sometimes mice. The green
heron is one of the few birds known to use
tools to aid its survival. It has been observed
dropping
bait into the
water to
attllracl
small fish
which, are
then
captured
~ and ealen.
Some of
:,the bails
I and lures
used


small tree or shrub, usually over water.
The female lays from 2-6 pale greenish
to bluish-green eggs and both parents
help incubate the eggs for about 3
weeks before they hatch. Long before
they are able to fly, the young chicks
quickly become expert climbers among
the branches of the nesting tree. The
chicks fledge in 3-4 weeks and the
parents tend to the young for at least a
month after they have left the nest.
As is typical of many herons, the
green heron tends to wander after
breeding season is over. While most of
their wandering ends when they find
suitable foraging areas, occasionally
they will range farther and have been
documented as far as England and
France! The winter range is from the
southern Uniled States southward to
the northern parts of South America.
This species winters mostly in coastal
areas and is especially fond of
mangrove swamps.
This bird was
observed by Florida
LAKEWATCH bird
survey volunteers in
46 of the 93 lakes
participating in the
surveys. The months
with most sightings
were May (20), June
(23), July (26) and
August (20). Fewer
green herons were
observed in the months of December
(13), January (9) and February (10).
This species was documented in
lakes of all trophic categories but 23 of
the 46 lakes were classified as
eutrophic or "well-nourished" lakes.
These eutrophic lakes typically have
more plants and food items and are
considered more biologically productive.
Therefore, you are more likely to see
numerous green heron sighting on
eutrophic lakes than on oligotrophic
lakes.
Keep your eyes open for this
interesting bird. If you don't see them,
try paddling closer to shore or walk
along the lakeside and you may be able
to flush them from their hiding or
ambush spots.












Counties ways to use LA0KEW-ATCTG Data... 1 2 3 5
Scott Jackson with the Walton-Okaloosa Counties University of Florida IFAS Extension Service and Phillip Ellis with the
Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance (CBA) started the process of developing lake management plans for Walton County's rare
coastal dune lakes. Utilizing a process similar to the
LAKEWATCH TEAM method for developing lake
management plans, the first phase was completed inq
January 2006. At this meeting approximately 60
community participants discussed and identified
important issues related to the coastal dune lakes of
Walton County.
During April and May 2006, Scott and Phillip
hosted community discussions for each individual ". -.o v
lake. These discussions generated a list of prioritized
projects to enhance the lakes. The LAKEWATCH
data was a critical part of this phase as one of the for
most important issues was water quality. Many of the
participants were interested in the current condition
of each of the lakes. Because LAKEWATCH data' .
exists on virtually every coastal dune lake in Walton
County, information was readily available and was an r
integral part of the information presented. It was also
recognized that volunteer sampling plays an Eastern Lake, one ofthe coastal /dune lakes locatedin Walton County, periodically
recgn breaks open to the gulfand allows saltwater to mix with freshwater
important role in the sustainability of these unique
natural resources. LAKEWATCH sampling allows CBAto monitor the lake for changes due to development, population growth
and evaluate the success of any restoration projects.
The next step is to forward the ideas produced from these meetings to a technical committee. The technical committee will
draft detailed language of the management proposal. The completed management proposal will be presented at a future
community meeting for citizen discussion, modification and endorsement. Finalized management plans will then be presented to
the Board of County Commissioners for their action and direction. These lake management plans will aid Walton County in future
protection and restoration efforts.
For more information about the TEAM Process, check out a past issue of the LAKEWATCH Newsletter discussing the TEAM
Process (Volume XIV at http://lakewatch.ifas.ufl.edu/newslett.htm). To view the list of issues from each community meeting and
for more information about the coastal dune lakes management plan check out http://walton.ifas.ufl.edu/cdlhome.htm

Fishing for Success
The F(orida LAIfW H newsletter (FFS), a multifaceted
war once again r zed with a program that uses fishing
GOLD IMAGE from the and other related activities
UnVersity of "F titute of as the "hook" to introduce
Fooj an ,,Ag ,F/ children of all ages to
various aspects of fisheries
IFAS). and aquatic environmental
sciences, continues to be
recognized by community
vr leaders.
0 ts On January 23, 2006, Dr.
4 com n 4 Dan Canfield, Director of
Florida LAKEWATCH and
1 1FFS, received the Albert
im age th "Ray" Massey Citizen
Volunteer Award for FFS from the City of Gainesville for
Many t H 2005. Gainesville Mayor, Pegeen Hanrahan, even pro-
Staff f ha m claimed January 23rd, 2006 as a day to honor FFS as a
there s to you.' 2005 Albert "Ray" Massey Citizen Volunter Program.
Congratulations Fishing For Success!











Alligators have been in the news
recently due to three recent fatalities
resulting from alligator attacts. It is not
believed that this is a trend of attacks,
but a series of unfortunate tragedies.
In the past 57 years there have been
391 alligator attacks that resulted in
17 fatalities, not including the three
fatalities that are still under
investigation. We have put together
some information about alligators to
help keep you safe during your
summer activities.
Identification
Alligators and Crocodiles are
known collectively as crocodilians.
However, they are placed in different
families based on
physical features. --
The American '-
Alligator is
identified by its
broad "U" shaped
snout, blackish
coloration and their .
upper jaw teeth are
visible when the
mouth is closed. -
During the early 1900's in Florida,
the alligator population declined
because of the value of their hides.
This decline in the population
resulted in them being classified as
an endangered species and
consequently being completely
protected by the Lacey Act in 1970.
Then in 1973 when the Federal
Endangered Species Act was created
they were placed on this list for
protection. Through this classification
the alligator population began to
rebound and in 1977 they were
moved to the Threatened List.
Through the management efforts of
the Florida Fish and Wildlife
Conservation Commission (FWC), the
alligator population has become a
success story and in Florida they are
now on the Species of Special
Concern List. This dual classification
of Threatened and/or Species of


Special Concern allows the alligator to be
hunted or removed with proper licenses
and permits in order to regulate and
manage the population.
Ecology
Alligators are found in all of Florida's 67
counties. They are found in fresh water
lakes, rivers, swamps, wetlands and
canals. They will also inhabit brackish
water.
Alligators are opportunistic feeders,
meaning they will eat what ever comes
along if the circumstances are right.
Juvenile alligators will eat insects, apple
snails, amphibians and small fish. Adults
have been found to consume fish,
crayfish,
snakes, small
mammals
and birds.
Female
alligators can
reach as
-. large as 9


feet and
males have
been
recorded as
large as 14
feet in length
(state record is 14 feet 5/8 inch). Mating
usually starts around May or June. After
mating the female will lay approximately
32-46 eggs in a mound of soil, vegetation,
and other debris. Incubation takes almost
60-65 days allowing hatchlings to emerge
during August or September.
Control
Since the alligator's recovery and the
increase in Florida's human population
moving to water front property, there is an
increased chance of alligator and human
interaction. This being said the FWC
reports the rate of human attacks has
remained constant. This may in part be
due to the success of the FWC's


"Nuisance-Alligator Control Program."
The program was implemented in 1978
and has evolved through time. It receives
approximately 15,000 alligator
complaints annually. However, only
about 5,000 alligators are removed each
year. The program tries to bring a
balance between alligator and human
interaction through the removal of some
alligators and education.
With the recent attacks, the Florida
Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Commission has been flooded with
phone calls. One question that is being
asked over and over is, are the recent
fatalities due to mating season? The
answer is probably not. It is probably a
combination of events. As the weather
warms alligators become more active
and territorial. Their metabolism
increases, so they eat more. Also, the
alligator population has increased from
approximately 300,000 (1970's) to
around 1-2 million (2000's) and their
habitat has decreased. Combine the
increase in alligators, decrease in
habitat, and
Florida's
human
population
increasing
around
waterfront
property, and
tourists being
S. attracted to
our state for water related recreation, you
get the increased chance of an
encounter between humans and
alligators. If you encounter an alligator
over 4 feet that poses a threat to you or
your property please call 1-866-FWC-
GATOR (392-4286). The FWC will
evaluate your complaint and if necessary
have the animal removed.
Safety Tips
Be aware ofyoursurroundings,
especially when you are recreating or
working near fresh or brackish water
Always supervise children when they
are playing in or around water
A/ligators continued on page 8


Alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) in Florida








New Regulations on measuring Saltwater fish from the Florida Fish
and Wildlife Conservation Commission-starting July 1, 2006.


It's an age old question for anglers, "how do I measure the
fish I caught to make
sure it's legal?" Now Total Leng
there's a simple way to Note: Mouth should be shut anc
know for sure. All
freshwater fish,
according to Bob
Wattendorf of the
Florida Fish and
Wildlife Conservation 11B,. V
Commission (FWC), ,
should be measured -
using the "total length" Girth
method. The distance around the fat
Total Length is the Freshwater fish are measured using the "total
straight line distance The total length is the maximum length of the
from the most forward tail fin pinched together.
point of the head with Total Length
the mouth closed to Total Length Is measured from the most forward point of the
the farthest tip of the hetip of the tallth the tall compressed or squee
the farthest tip of the Its side.
tail with the tail Pinch Til
squeezed or com- I
pressed (top of the
figure).
But what about CIOe Mouh
saltwater fish-are R m u
they measured the
same way as freshwa- PinchTai'" TotalL
anS
ter fish? Well, yes and Gr
no. There are two Rei
ways to measure it
saltwater fish. The first i weM
way is using the same Yellowmouth Grouper
method used by the
freshwater anglers- Fork Length
the "total length" Flsh regulated by fork length are measured from the tip of tl
closed mouth to the center of the fork In the tail.
method. The other way
is using the method
called "fork length".
The "total length" '
method measures
saltwater fish that have Cou M
"flat" or irregularly Spanish Mackerel
shaped tails. The "total
length" measurement ForkLe
is used to measure the Am
snapper and grouper Hog
Doll
family, red and black -. Co
drum, snook, spotted : Mul
seatrout, weakfish, Gray Trgger-sh
tripletail, bonefish,
tripletail, bonefish, Saltwater fish are divided nto two categor/e
sheepshead, flounder that have '"at" or rregularlyshaped tais arl
and a variety of that have forked or angled tails are common
aquarium species


test
length
fish, v


head,
:ed toge


ton Snl
ength S
apper FE
uper Fa
Drum
ckDrum
Jok
3tted Se
'alish



he jaw c


Hogls

ngth Sp
bedacks
derfish
fish
phin
let


s dep
Smea
7lymM


(such as angelfish). For a picture of how to measure saltwater Fishing_Measurement.htm and freshwater fish at
species using the "total length" method look at the figure to the http://floridafisheries.com/Fishes/measure.html. Then
left. you'll always be sure that nice fish you hooked is a
The second method is called the "fork length" method and it keeper-or not.


is used to measure fish that have forked or angled
tails. The "fork length"
method should be used
fin pinched closed. on amberjacks and

dolphin, cobia, mullet,
Sbluefish, king and Span-
ish mackerel, permit,
0 pompano and African
-.. pompano, and beginning
July 1, gray tigger fish.
To address concerns
That applying the "total
part of the fish length" method might
h" method depicted above. affect the management of
vith the mouth closed and the certain saltwater species,
such as snook, the FWC
has also proposed
wIth the mouth closed, to adjusting the snook slot
their, while the fishis lying limit by one inch on the
Pinch Tail lower and upper ends of
the limit, moving from 26-
34 inches to 27-35 inches
total length.
t "This will accommo-
apper date the slight increase in
length some anglers
species Include: might gain by squeezing
imily Tripletail
mly Bonefish the tail and actually result
Sheepshead
S Flounder in about a four percent
SSeveralomamentals decrease in harvest from
trout )"(Angelfish, etc.)st from
current levels," said Mark
Robson, Director of
FWC's Division of Marine
E Fisheries Management.
r tip of the snout with "B y r 1
"By simplifing the
way we measure saltwa-
ter fish in Florida and
S making the slot limit
!E adjustment we are
toh proposing for snook,
S anglers can expect
h uniformly enforced rules
by officers in the field and
ecies include: E a high compliance with
kBluefish important fisheries
King Mackerel f
panh Mackerel resource protection
Permit
SPompano E regulations," said
SAfricanPompano Robson.
P Robson.
The FWC has an on-
S F line site that explains the
lending on the species. Fish
'suredby "total length'f Fish proper way to measure
easuredby "forklength'" saltwater fish at http://
www.myfwc.com/marine/






Jet Skis continued from page 2
impacts on warm-water fish populations
have been documented. However, noise
and movement of powerboats may
disturb bird populations, particularly in
nesting areas or migratory bird resting
areas.
It should be noted that any
harassment of wildlife is illegal.
Harassment is defined as "any action
that may cause an animal to deviate
from its normal behavior" and would
include chasing wildlife, disturbing them
with loud noises, or interrupting their
feeding, nesting or resting behavior.
Additionally, mammals such as
manatees, otters, whales and sea lions
can suffer injury as a result of impacts by
boats traveling at high speeds. It is good
practice and common sense to avoid
areas of high animal populations.
Noise Pollution
In Florida, no vessel can be operated
in such a manner so that it exceeds a
maximum average sound level of 90
dBA at a distance of 50 feet from the
vessel. A common complaint against
PWC is that the noise created by these
watercraft disturbs the peace and quiet
of others using or relaxing by the lake.
Noise has been defined as "unwanted
sound" and is "an affliction suffered by
those who have no part in creating it".
PWC produce a high pitched, annoying,
whining sound that undulates with
different RPMs produced by the engine
when performing certain maneuvers
such as wave jumping. Frequent
changes in loudness and pitch make the
noise produced by PWC more disturbing
than a constant noise level. One study
also found that a constant sound at 90
dBA was found to be less disturbing than
intermittent sound at 75 dBA.
Noise pollution is often exacerbated
by groups of two or more PWC
operators running together. Unlike most
powerboats that are used to get from
point Ato B (except for possibly ski
boats), PWC are often seen and heard
zipping back and forth endlessly in the
same general area or round and round
in the same small area. This makes it
difficult for PWC to co-exist with
domestic tranquility. This is especially
important because the number one lake
use reported in the Lake User Survey
(Figure 1) was to sit and enjoy a lake.


Safety Issues
According to the Coast Guard and state
reports, the number of PWC-related
fatalities has risen steadily from 5
deaths in 1987 to over 50 deaths in
1996. The Coast Guard also reported
that in 1996, out of the 8005
recreational boating accidents
recorded, some 2868 accidents
involved PWC which, while accounting
for only 7.5% of the state registered
recreational boats, contributed to 36%
of the accidents and 41% of the
injuries. According to these statistics,
safety issues involving PWC appear to
be a legitimate concern. However, this
may be more the fault of the PWC
operator and not an inherent safety
issue associated with the PWC itself.
Inattention, inexperience and
inappropriate speed were the most
frequently cited causes contributing to
PWC accidents and fatalities.
As of 1995, over 58,000 PWC were
registered in Florida. In 1995, 503
accidents resulted in 12 fatalities
(Florida DEP, Office of Waterway
Management). It is important to
remember that PWC activities are not
covered under standard life insurance
policies according to the Florida
Insurance Commissioner's Office.
According to a spokesperson for the
PWC industry, the increasing number of
PWC accidents resulting in fatalities
needs to be considered in relation to
the increased number of PWC being
used recreationally each year. In that
context, while the total number of yearly
fatalities may have increased over the
years, the percentage of fatalities
based on the total number of PWC
users has decreased.
PWC users must obey all Florida
State boating laws including but not
limited to the following:
Each person operating, riding
on, or being towed behind a
personal watercraft must wear
an approved non-inflatable
Type I, II, III, or V personal
flotation device. Inflatable
personal flotation devices are
prohibited.
The operator of a personal
watercraft must attach the
engine cutoff switch lanyard (if
equipped by the manufacturer)


to his/her person, clothing, or
PFD.
* PWC cannot operate from one-
half hour after sunset to one-half
hour before sunrise. However,
an agent or employee of a fire or
emergency rescue service is
exempt from this subsection
while performing official duties.
* Maneuvering a personal
watercraft by weaving through
congested vessel traffic,
jumping the wake of another
vessel unreasonably close or
when visibility around the vessel
is obstructed, or swerving at the
last possible moment to avoid
collision is classified as reckless
operation of a vessel. Any
person who violates this
subsection shall be guilty of a
first-degree misdemeanor.
* A person must be at least 14
years of age to operate a
personal watercraft in this state.
It is unlawful for the owner of
any PWC or any person having
charge over or control of a PWC
to authorize or knowingly permit
the same to be operated by a
person under 14 years of age in
violation of this section. Any
person who violates this
subsection shall be guilty of a
second-degree misdemeanor.
* A person must be at least 18
years of age to rent a personal
watercraft in this state.
* Anyone 21 years of age or
younger, is required to either
have successfully completed a
National Association of State
Boating Law Administrators
(NASBLA) approved boating
education course or have
passed a course equivalency or
temporary certificate
examination and have in their
possession a boating education
ID card and a photo
identification card before
operating a vessel with a motor
of 10 HP or more in Florida.
Identification cards for persons
completing the course or the
equivalency exam are good for
a lifetime. Temporary Certificate
Jet Skis continued on page 8.







Jet Skis continued from page 7
exams are made available to the
public through contractors. The
temporary certificate is valid for a
period of 12 months from the issue
date.

Common Sense and Courtesy

Learn the Rules and Obey the Law. PWC
should be operated in a reasonable and
prudent manner. This includes being aware
of other boats in the operating area,
awareness of environmental concerns and
respecting the rights of shoreline property
owners. PWC operators should not follow
other boats closely and should not jump the
wake of other boats. Never operate a PWC
in a swimming area with bathers present.
Enjoy responsibly!




&


A//igators continued from page 5
Do not swim outside ofdesignated swim areas.
Swimduring the dayl/ght hours. Al//ators are
more ac#ve at dawn & dusk
The state lawprohibits the feeding, killing,
molesting or possession of all/ators without a
permit So, please leave them alone.
Keep pets away from waters that are known to
have alligators. Also, do not let pets swim in designated human swimming
areas. This can attract alligators, because dogs resemble natural prey.
Only observe alligators from a distance.
If bitten by an alligator seek medical attention, immediately Aligator bites in
many cases result in serious infections.
All of the information in this article was taken from the FWC website. This
information and more can be viewed at MyFWC.com.

Apple Snails in Florida Native
By Drs. Shirley Baker and Patrick Baker
The native Florida apple snail, Pomacea
paudosa occurs in freshwater wetlands
throughout peninsular and coastal Florida.
It grows to about 65 mm (2.5 in, Figure 1),
and grazes periphyton, or microorganisms
growing on other objects or plants. It is Figure On the/elis the exoc apple snail
probably best known as the primary prey of whih can exceed 00mm(4in)insie andon
the endangered Everglades kite the eight is the native apple snail which grows to L
(Rostrhamussockabils). Eggsare whiteto about 6smm (2. n) sze.
Slightly pinkish, relatively large (diameter
about 3-6 mm or 1/8-1/4 in), and loosely
packed together in a cluster of several
dozen laid above the waterline (Figure 2).
The channeled or golden apple snail, R
canal/eulata* has been introduced from
South America to three states in the US:
California, Arizona, and Hawaii. The
nonindigenous snails found in Florida were
originally identified as P canal/culata, but
recent genetic work suggests that the
nonindigenous apple snail in Florida is FP
su/arum The presence of Fgure 2 Channeledapple snaileggmassis
pictured on lef. It contains hundreds ofsmall
nonindigenous apple snails is often first tightlypacked, brightpink eggs. The native apple
identified by the presence of egg masses. snail egg mass ispictured on the right It contains
R insularumlays tight clusters of several severaldozen, looselypackeed relatively large
hundred small, bright pink eggs above the white to slightlypinkish eggs
waterline on emergent vegetation, wood, and other objects (Figure 2). Adult snails may
exceed 100 mm (4 in, Figure 1).
The nonindigenous channeled apple snail, R insularum, was probably brought to Florida
for human consumption or for the aquarium trade. By 1987, wild populations had been
established, and it has since spread to 24 Florida counties. The spread of FP insularumin
Florida is of concern. R insularumconsumes aquatic plants and therefore has the potential
to significantly alter freshwater ecosystems such as turning macrophtye-dominated
communities into phytoplankton-dominated communities. In addition, both R canaliculata
and R insularumare important pests in wetland agriculture, including rice and taro.
You can help in controlling the spread of these nonindigenous snails.
Do not release aquarium animals into natural water bodies.
Do notmove snails from one waterbody to another
Adult snails and egg clusters can be removed by handfromyour/ake -just be
sure to leave the native snails and their eggs!
*The common name of channeled or golden apple snail is used for both exotic species mentioned in this
article because there is not yet a recognized common name for R insularum.


5;7ca _-m&

LAKE WATCH

This newsletter is generated by the Florida
LAKEWATCH program, within UF/IFAS' Department
of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences. Support for the
LAKEWATCH program is provided by the Florida
Legislature, grants and donations. For more information
about LAKEWATCH, to inquire about volunteer training
sessions, or to submit materials for inclusion in this
publication, write or call:
Florida LAKEWATCH
PO Box 110600
Gainesville, FL 32611
1-800-LAKEWATCH (800-525-3928)
(352) 392-4817
E-mail: lakewat@ufl.edu
http://lakewatch.ifas.ufl.edu/
All unsolicited articles, photographs, artwork or other
written material must include contributor's name,
address and phone number. Opinions expressed are
solely those of the individual contributor and do not
necessarily reflect the opinion or policy of the Florida
LAKEWATCH program. Inclusion does not constitute
endorsement, nor does exclusion represent censure of
any item, organization, individual, or institution by the
University of Florida or the Florida LAKEWATCH
program.


_