|
|
|
Snail-eradication repeat treatment closes Windsor boat ramp on Newnans Lake May 12, 2008 The Windsor boat ramp on Newnans Lake will be closed May 15 and 16 to eradicate island apple snails. According to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) biologists, the lake was treated in April, but egg masses are still being found. The lake will receive an additional treatment Thursday to eradicate the snails missed during the last treatment. “Officials from the St. Johns River Water Management District, FWC and the University of Florida have discussed the current situation and agreed it’s imperative to conduct another treatment before the snail population moves out of the Windsor ramp area,” said Allen Martin, FWC regional freshwater fish biologist. This requires closing the Windsor ramp during the treatment. The ramp and canal are scheduled to re-open May 17. “We realize that Newnans is a very popular fishing spot right now, and closing the ramp and canal for two days may not be a popular decision,” Martin said. “Although there were no problems with a fish kill during the previous treatment, the possibility does exist. However, these snails must be dealt with before they move to other areas, such as Paynes Prairie, Orange Lake and Lochloosa Lake.” These mollusks have huge appetites and can strip large areas of aquatic vegetation in Florida’s waterways. Equipped with both a gill and lung, they may migrate short distances on land. One female can lay a new clutch of approximately 1,000 eggs every 10 to 14 days. The snails can reach reproductive size within six to eight weeks. “The snails can grow as large as baseballs,” Martin said. “We believe these snails in Newnans Lake were released from aquariums. Their craving for aquatic vegetation is what we’re concerned with. We certainly don’t want to end up with ‘wet deserts’ for our lakes.” Four nonnative apple snail species have been observed in Florida. There is one species native to Florida, the Florida apple snail. This snail is a critical food web component in Florida wetlands, contributing to the diets of turtles, fish, alligators and wading birds. Apple snails are most notably the exclusive food source of the endangered Florida snail kite. “There is one main thing that Florida residents and visitors can do to help us out with these island apple snails,” Martin said. “Never release snails into the waters of Florida. If you have one in your aquarium, please keep it there.” For more information on the snails and their eggs, go to MyFWC.com/nonnatives/Docs/FWC_applesnails_FLMS_handout.pdf for photos and additional facts. |
Our mission: Managing fish and wildlife resources for their long-term well-being and the benefit of people.
 |
|
