02-08-2008, 05:10 PM
Nonnative freshwater fishes and aquatic plants present challenges to Florida's native species. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) scientists work diligently with the public to conserve the state's native freshwater wildlife and ecosystems.
Thirty-four nonnative freshwater fishes, introduced from other countries, currently reproduce in Florida. Almost all of these introductions resulted from individuals releasing unwanted aquarium or food fishes, and/or the flooding of aquaculture ponds. In addition, nonnative plants, such as water hyacinth, and invertebrates, such as island apple snails, can create environmental problems.
Consequently, it is illegal to release any nonnative fish or other nonnative organism into waters of the state. Anyone wanting to dispose of live nonnative aquarium fish should give them to a friend or an aquarium store, or euthanize them by lowering the water temperature with ice or freezing them in a plastic bag.
During 2007, FWC partnered with public and private entities to post 400 "Stop Aquatic Hitchhiker" signs at boat ramps, as part of a national campaign. The signs remind boaters to clean their boats, trailers or recreational equipment of mud, plants or animals, and to drain and dry their equipment to prevent movement of nuisance species between water bodies. Partners included the Nature Conservancy, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. National Park Service, and Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Forestry.
Nonnative fishes thrive in Florida, partly because of our subtropical climate and because aquatic habitats have been dramatically altered. In some cases, such as southeast Florida canals, nonnative fish's specialized spawning and rearing tactics (like mouth brooding) may provide them an advantage. Elsewhere, efforts to minimize water-level fluctuations in lakes have caused changes in plant communities and increased the muck on the bottom of lakes, which often favors nonnative species.
In Florida, there are two legally introduced nonnative fish: triploid grass carp and butterfly peacock bass. They are used as biological controls for excessive growths of aquatic vegetation and overabundant forage fishes.
The triploid grass carp is a functionally sterile fish produced and certified in hatcheries. Since they do not reproduce, periodic stockings are required to control aquatic vegetation. During the past 20 years, results have generally been favorable.
The butterfly peacock is the only reproducing nonnative fish legally introduced. Extensive research indicated their release would help reduce an over-abundance of nonnative forage fishes, especially spotted tilapia. Peacock bass have no known detrimental effects, and they generate millions of hours of fishing pleasure for anglers, who spend more than $8 million a year in Florida.
Pre-release studies documented that illegal nonnative fishes had become extremely abundant in some Miami-Dade and Palm Beach canals. Too few native predators existed to eat these undesirable nonnatives. Peacocks have helped control them without harming native fish populations.
In 1989, the fishery officially opened, with a daily bag limit of two butterfly peacocks, of which only one may be 17 inches or longer. Butterfly peacock can be readily caught by using live shiners swimming below a bobber, or on a fly. Most 4-pound or larger fish are caught between February and May.
Although triploid grass carp and peacock bass are noteworthy exceptions, it is important to remember that nonnative species do not generally belong here. It is illegal for anyone to transfer or release any nonnative species in Florida, including the butterfly peacock. The only exception is the immediate release of triploid grass carp and peacock bass that cannot be harvested.
Instant licenses are available online at MyFWC.com/License or by calling 1-888-FISH-FLORIDA (347-4356).
Visit MyFWC.com/Fishing/Updates for more Fish Busters' Bulletins.
Thirty-four nonnative freshwater fishes, introduced from other countries, currently reproduce in Florida. Almost all of these introductions resulted from individuals releasing unwanted aquarium or food fishes, and/or the flooding of aquaculture ponds. In addition, nonnative plants, such as water hyacinth, and invertebrates, such as island apple snails, can create environmental problems.
Consequently, it is illegal to release any nonnative fish or other nonnative organism into waters of the state. Anyone wanting to dispose of live nonnative aquarium fish should give them to a friend or an aquarium store, or euthanize them by lowering the water temperature with ice or freezing them in a plastic bag.
During 2007, FWC partnered with public and private entities to post 400 "Stop Aquatic Hitchhiker" signs at boat ramps, as part of a national campaign. The signs remind boaters to clean their boats, trailers or recreational equipment of mud, plants or animals, and to drain and dry their equipment to prevent movement of nuisance species between water bodies. Partners included the Nature Conservancy, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. National Park Service, and Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Forestry.
Nonnative fishes thrive in Florida, partly because of our subtropical climate and because aquatic habitats have been dramatically altered. In some cases, such as southeast Florida canals, nonnative fish's specialized spawning and rearing tactics (like mouth brooding) may provide them an advantage. Elsewhere, efforts to minimize water-level fluctuations in lakes have caused changes in plant communities and increased the muck on the bottom of lakes, which often favors nonnative species.
In Florida, there are two legally introduced nonnative fish: triploid grass carp and butterfly peacock bass. They are used as biological controls for excessive growths of aquatic vegetation and overabundant forage fishes.
The triploid grass carp is a functionally sterile fish produced and certified in hatcheries. Since they do not reproduce, periodic stockings are required to control aquatic vegetation. During the past 20 years, results have generally been favorable.
The butterfly peacock is the only reproducing nonnative fish legally introduced. Extensive research indicated their release would help reduce an over-abundance of nonnative forage fishes, especially spotted tilapia. Peacock bass have no known detrimental effects, and they generate millions of hours of fishing pleasure for anglers, who spend more than $8 million a year in Florida.
Pre-release studies documented that illegal nonnative fishes had become extremely abundant in some Miami-Dade and Palm Beach canals. Too few native predators existed to eat these undesirable nonnatives. Peacocks have helped control them without harming native fish populations.
In 1989, the fishery officially opened, with a daily bag limit of two butterfly peacocks, of which only one may be 17 inches or longer. Butterfly peacock can be readily caught by using live shiners swimming below a bobber, or on a fly. Most 4-pound or larger fish are caught between February and May.
Although triploid grass carp and peacock bass are noteworthy exceptions, it is important to remember that nonnative species do not generally belong here. It is illegal for anyone to transfer or release any nonnative species in Florida, including the butterfly peacock. The only exception is the immediate release of triploid grass carp and peacock bass that cannot be harvested.
Instant licenses are available online at MyFWC.com/License or by calling 1-888-FISH-FLORIDA (347-4356).
Visit MyFWC.com/Fishing/Updates for more Fish Busters' Bulletins.