NEWS RELEASE

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

April 15, 1999

CONTACT: Lt. Dewey Weaver (904) 758-0525

ALLIGATOR LAKE BAG LIMIT SUSPENDED

Due to extremely low water levels and the high possibility of Alligator Lake draining through the sinkhole, the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has temporarily removed the bag limit for all fish species on the north end of Alligator Lake.

"The action takes affect at 12:01 a m on Friday, April 16, and will continue 12:01 a m, April 30," said Lt. Dewey Weaver, public information coordinator for the FWC. "In addition to the removal of the bag limit, the FWC has authorized the use of dip net, cast net, or by hand for the withdrawal of fish from the lake. Individuals will be limited to transporting 150 pounds of fish."

"However, the use of seines or gill nets is not allowed," added Weaver. "There is a safety issue here and we do not encourage anyone to wade into the water."

Historically, Alligator Lake drains into a sinkhole on the north end of the lake during periods of low water which we are currently experiencing. The lake is steadily dropping and this is usually an indication the sinkhole is draining the lake and with no significant rainfall expected over the coming week, the FWC is preparing for the draining of the lake and the thousands of fish expected to die during this event.

"Again this action only relates to the north end of the lake and all state rules and regulations pertaining to bag limits and methods of taking fish stay in effect for the south end of the lake," stated Weaver.