The recent cold snap in the Florida Keys and throughout the state challenged fish and wildlife to survive the unseasonably cold temperatures. Both freshwater and marine species of fish perished in the cold water in large numbers. During the first few weeks of January, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Fish Kill Hotline received hundreds of reports of cold-related fish kills across the state.
Marine species affected by the 2010 Florida fish kill include snook, tarpon, bonefish, mullet, red and black drum, catfish, groupers (Nassau, black, gag, red and goliath), snapper (red, lane and mangrove), grunts, jacks, ladyfish, barracuda, parrotfish, several baitfish species, stingrays and sharks.
Most Freshwater Fish Species Killed Were Non-native
Fortunately, freshwater species impacted were almost exclusively exotic, or non-native, species such as tilapia, brown hoplo and suckermouth catfish. The only regulated freshwater species that experienced significant impact was the widespread kill of the legally introduced, recreationally important butterfly peacock bass in the southern part of the state.
The FWC reminded citizens that fish kills are not uncommon in Florida and may be caused by a variety of factors including red tide, low dissolved oxygen conditions, and extreme temperatures, both hot and cold. Additionally, when water temperatures drop, surviving fish become more susceptible to disease. Therefore, in addition to observing dead fish, the public may see fish with sores or fungal infections, especially in warm-water species, including snook, which are particularly vulnerable to cold temperatures.
Measuring the Overall Effect of the Florida Fish Kill is Extremely Challenging for Fish Researchers
Unfortunately, it is nearly impossible to accurately determine the number of fish that died or to know the original population of the affected fish species. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute will analyze long-term surveys and follow standardized, statistically based sampling protocols. Scientists use catch-rate data from the surveys to evaluate if there are changes over time in the marine ecosystem. This is the most accurate way to get a before and after perspective of the event to determine the relative level of impact on the fisheries.
The FWC estimates that researchers will need approximately two to three months to up to a year following the event to analyze the fish kill survey data to a point where they will be able to draw any reliable conclusions. Preliminary data will be made available in the Florida Fish Kill Database.
Catch and Release Fishing is Allowed and Tournament Fishing is Still legal
In response to the reports of the widespread fish kills, the FWC released an executive order on January 15th that extended the closed harvest season snook, bonefish and tarpon. The closed harvest prohibits harvest in or from state waters or possession of snook until August 31, 2010. The executive order also establishes temporary statewide closed harvest seasons for bonefish and tarpon until March 1, 2010.
Catch and release fishing, which is what most sport fisherman practice anyway, is still allowed. Snook, bonefish and tarpon tournaments are still legal and will not be affected by the executive order. There is no proposal to cancel tarpon tags this year and it is expected that anglers who have purchased tarpon tags will be able to use them after the executive order for tarpon expires on April 1.
Sources: FWC Responds to Widespread Cold-weather Saltwater Fish Kills and FWC Saltwater Fish Kill FAQ by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Related article: Record Cold Kills Thousands of Fish in Florida: Snook, Bonefish and Tarpon Fishing Under Temporary Closed Harvest, by Sue Melus
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