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The South Florida Aquatic Plant Management Society was formed in 1996 by aquatic plant managers to share and exchange ideas concerning the bio-diversity of aquatic plants and their relationship with water quality, fish and wildlife. SFAPMS provides an important key
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Officers and Board Members - 2014
President’s Message
The Francis E. “Chil” Rossbach Scholarship Fund
Funds from the scholarship are used to help defray costs for students taking classes related to the study of aquatic environmental sciences or related areas. The scholarship is open to anyone, and all are encouraged to apply. Applications will be accepted throughout the year and the scholarship awarded when a suitable candidate is found. Money raised by the Society during the year partially goes to fund this scholarship, the intent of which is to promote the study of aquatics. For an application, please go to www.sfapms.org.
T: 954.972.8126 T: 954.382.9766 T: 954.370.0041 T: 863.557.0076 T: 954.831.0754 T: 954.577.6331 T: 954.654.1150 T: 561.633.7226 T: 561.965.4159 T: 954.572.2388 T: 954.770.3159 T: 561.301.8326 T: 954.382.9766
Officers 2014 Mark Weinrub: President…………….. Joel Wolf: Past President ……………. Linda Wolonick: Secretary …………... Board Members 2014 James Boggs …………………………. Adam Gardner ………………………... Dr. Lyn Gettys ……………………….... John Lepage ………………………….. John Lynch ……………………………. John Raymundo ………………………. Jason Rivera …………………………... Samantha Sardes …………………….. Craig Smith ……………………………. Steve Weinsier …………………………
What Friends Are For!
Water management continues to
be a controversial issue in south
Florida that is critical to the
stability and strength of our state. As water and
aquatic plant managers, our tasks are important to
ensure adequate flow patterns, timing, and
distribution of water, our most valuable asset.
Our society and the forum for the exchange of
information provide an important arena for solving
many riddles that have an effect on long-term
sustainability.
Join us! Mark Weinrub, President South Florida Aquatic Plant Management Society
Cover Photo: Natalie Nowicki, Florida Atlantic University
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Plant of the Month Sea Oats
Uniola paniculata
At first glance, the Uniola paniculata, most commonly known as the Sea Oat, may just appear to be another grass or shrub growing along the shores of our beaches. What most common beachgoers don’t realize is how this seemingly unimportant rhizomatous plant plays a vital role in protecting the shorelines. Sea Oats are usually found topping sand dunes along semi-tropical beaches. They are a native coastal plant that is indigenous to beaches from Virginia to Florida. They can also be found along the shores of the Gulf States, Mexico and areas in the Caribbean. This rhizomatous plant is very important to the coastal ecosystem. They are responsible for creating and retaining sand dunes. Like most rhizomatous plants, Sea Oats have an extensive root system to hold themselves in place along shifting sandy shorelines. These roots are responsible for catching windblown sand and dropping it on the beach to build up sand dunes. Sand dunes are vital in protecting and restoring our beaches. Beaches can be completely destroyed due to erosion from storms, regular wave action, and not having enough sand to rebuild them. Sand dunes replenish the material that is taken away by big storms and storm surges. Without this perennial plant, our Florida beaches would potentially be washed and blown away after being ravaged by our lengthy hurricane season. Culms of the sea oat grow upwards to a height of six feet with leaf blades that grow as long as two feet. It produces green oat-like panicles that turn a straw color at maturity. Sea oats are a perennial type of plant, which means their life cycle lasts two or more years. They are perfectly suitable to shoreline ecosystems because of their resistance to salt spray and their tolerance to drought. Sea Oats are often harvested for their panicles to be used in floral arrangement, but due to the vital role they play are serving in maintaining our beaches it is illegal to harvest them in Florida and Georgia. The Youth Environmental Alliance is working locally to restore our local beaches with multitudes of Sea Oat planting days. The non-profit organization has dedicated much time and energy in saving the beaches in south Florida for future generations.
Credit: United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, University of Florida IFAS
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Florida’s Invasive Species Rotala rotundifolia
Roundleaf Toothcup
Roundleaf toothcup, Rotala rotundifolia, is one of
Florida’s newer aquatic ecosystem invaders first
seen here in 1996 coming to us from the
international aquarium industry. Rotala is a native of
India, but is commonly found here in America in
hobbyist’s fresh water aquariums. This plant is an
emergent species with different appearances both
above and below the waterline. Growing above the
water, Rotala has opposite round leaves with a pink
stem and a pretty pink spike of flowers. The
submerged portion of the plant has leaves that are
opposite whorled (like hygrophila) and awl shaped. This plant reproduces both vegetatively through
fragmentation and sexually via viable seed production.
Management of this nuisance invasive presents us with a challenge in waters that are used for irrigation.
According to Dr. Bill Haller of University of Florida the two herbicides that are effective for control of Rotala
are 2, 4 D and Triclopyr. Both of these herbicides are auxin based with strict irrigation warnings. Diquat was
also shown to be effective, but is not as effective as the auxins. Based on field reports to Dr. Lyn Gettys of the
University of Florida, Flumioxacin is also effective. Plans are underway for greenhouse testing of this
herbicide at the University of Florida. However, Haller’s research is contradictory to those field reports.
Hopefully, we will soon have more tools for this invasive aquatic weed in the near future.
Credit: C.C. Jacono, V.V Vandiver, B. Haller, and L. Gettys of University of Florida IFAS
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Wildlife Corner Lepisosteus platyrhincus
Florida Gar This issue of the Hydrophyte features the Florida Gar, the smallest of the Gars found in Florida. The Florida Gar can be found in the Savannah River Drainage region of Georgia, as well as the Ochlockonee River drainage of Florida and Georgia. At maturity, the Florida Gar measures anywhere from 13-34 inches. It has been known to grow upwards of 52 inches. The diet of young Florida Gar consists of small fish, insect larvae, and zooplankton. The adults will usually feed on crustaceans and smaller fish. One distinctive feature of the Florida Gar and other types of Gar is
that, compared to other fish, the Gar has a feature called an air bladder. The air bladder allows them to breathe air so they can survive in lakes, ponds, and rivers that are suffering from low dissolved oxygen. Florida Gar primarily spawns in April and May, but may spawn as late as October. When spawning, the female deposits her eggs in shallow, weedy pools where they are then fertilized by male gars. The female may lay upwards of 6,000 eggs in one mating season. The Florida Gar roe may be very plentiful, but humans are advised to remain their distance because they are highly toxic. Overall, the Florida gar is a unique specimen of Florida’s aquatic ecosystems.
Credit: City Fisher, 2012; Photo Credits: Stephen Montgomery, Allstate Resource Management
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Endangered Species Protection Program (ESPP)
Could Spell Trouble for Some Pesticides
The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) matters have been put in place with relatively
little negative impact on our industry in Florida. However, new challenges have appeared on the horizon.
To quote Tom Delaney, Director of Government Affairs at the Professional Landcare Network
(PLANET). “ESPP could spell trouble for some pesticides.”
Under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), the government protects endangered and threatened plants and
animals (listed species) and the habitats on which they depend. The Endangered Species Protection
Program is designed to determine whether pesticide use in a certain geographic area may affect any listed
species. If limitations on pesticide use are necessary to protect listed species in that area, the information is
relayed through Endangered Species Protection Bulletins.
Bulletins identify the species of concern and the name of the active ingredient in the pesticide that may affect
the listed species. They also contain a description of the measures necessary to protect the species , and a
county-level map showing the geographic area(s) associated with the protection measures – depending on
the susceptibility of the species to other factors, such as vandalism. Bulletins will be effective and
enforceable as part of the product label enforceable under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide
Act (FIFRA).
If you do not follow the label or bulletin applicable to your pesticide, whether that failure results in harm to a
listed species or not, you would be subject to enforcement under the misuse provisions of FIFRA (section 12
(a)(2)(G). Absent authorized incidental take, you could be liable under section 9 of the ESA for any take that
occurs as a result of pesticide application, regardless of whether label provisions were followed. This aspect
of listed species protection does not change under the ESPP. Enforcement actions under FIFRA are the
responsibility of the EPA, but enforcement of the ESA is the responsibility of the Fish and Wildlife Service
(FWS) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) (jointly referred to as the Services). Your state
may have pesticide use limitations beyond those found in your bulletin.
Bulletins are not intended to replace or override any restrictions that your state may impose. You need to be
aware of and follow pesticide use limitations by both the state and federal EPA requirements in your area.
PLANET will continue to keep our industry alerted to any further developments on this issue, but please read
the labels of any pesticides for which you receive new shipments.
Credit: Tom Delaney is director of government affairs at the Professional Landcare Network (PLANET). If you
have any questions about this topic, you may contact him at 800-395-2522 or
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2013 Annual Photo Contest Entries
We would like to thank all of our photo contest participants. This year’s winner is the cover photo entered by Natalie Nowicki of Florida Atlantic University.
Entry by Cat Noelle “Hibiscus”
Entry by Holly Sutter “Fountain”
Entry by Neal Ottoway “Question Mark Ibis”
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Entry by Stephanie Farrell “Alligators”
Entry by Angie Song “Waterscape”
Entry by Justin McAllister “Snakehead Fish”
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Featured Algae Live vs. Dead Algae
Algae Problem or Resolved Issue
If you live on a lake in South Florida, you’ve probably encountered scenes like the ones pictured (especially in summer months). “It’s unsightly. It’s a mess. I called about this before. Why hasn’t anyone done anything?” Although neither picture represents a desirable situation they are very different. The picture on the left represents a legitimate algae concern. The picture down below is actually what the previous picture would look like after it has been treated. Algae are very simple plants and by nature are able to reproduce and grow very quickly. This is why blooms can seemingly show up overnight. The misunderstanding of algae management often occurs AFTER it has been treated. Even
though the accumulated mass of algae may have responded to treatment it still requires time to decompose and sink. The mats are naturally buoyant, and decomposition can create gas bubbles that become trapped under them, keeping them afloat. Once an applicator has treated an algal bloom it’s up to Mother Nature to finish the job. The only option for instant gratification is manual removal of the dead mats. While this is an option, it can be costly due to its time consuming nature and fees associated with disposal of collected material. This service is available from most companies, but not typically included in a standard contract. Dispatching applicators to treat material that is already dead keeps them from addressing other issues in your lakes. Your observations of the situation are extremely important in helping aquatic plant managers address your lake issues efficiently. Algae requiring treatment will typically be bright or vivid green in color, and float high on the water. Already treated algae will be dull brown or tan, similar in color to cardboard or a paper bag. Treated algae will also sit lower in the water and portions of the mat may even be sinking. Aquatic plant managers should always respond to your concerns and strive to help you better understand your lake and the manager’s role in its care.
Credit: Stephen Montgomery, Senior Biologist Allstate Resource Management
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Everglades Restoration a High Priority for FWC
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), at its meeting Nov. 20 in Weston, presented
a position paper designed to help guide Everglades restoration.
The position paper provides guidance on how to resolve habitat and wildlife issues as the FWC and partners
work together on Everglades-restoration efforts. This document is an important tool for managing the habitats
and species in this complex ecosystem.
In the position paper, FWC biologists provide science-based information regarding the timing, distribution and
flow of water throughout the Everglades ecosystem. It also provides data collected over the past 60 years
demonstrating how fluctuating water levels impact the wildlife and habitats in this ecosystem.
“It’s all about the quality, quantity, timing and distribution of water,” said FWC Commissioner Ron Bergeron.
“Our approach is adaptive and based on six decades of in-the-field science.”
Extreme high and low water events negatively impact the ecosystem’s native wildlife and habitats. For
example, extreme high water levels are detrimental for terrestrial species such as panthers, deer, bobcats
and raccoons. High water conditions reduce the amount of available food sources and indirectly may lead to
the spread of disease. Extremely low water levels can also have negative impacts such as peat fires that can
cause long-lasting damage to tree islands and other plant communities. Returning the water flow back to a
more natural state will have positive impacts for native plants and animals.
“We need flexibility in dealing with extreme high or low water events because either means sudden death for
the Everglades ecosystem,” said Bergeron. “We need to have the tools and policies to manage emergency
water events so that we can keep the Everglades alive during the largest restoration effort in the world.”
FWC staff will continue to protect fish and wildlife resources by participating in planning meetings and
providing comments, review and input into future decisions about Everglades restoration.
To learn more about the FWC’s major wildlife management area in this ecosystem, the Everglades and
Francis S. Taylor WMA, visit MyFWC.com/Viewing and select “Wildlife Management Areas” then “Explore by
Name.”
Credit: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
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January 30 SFAPMS Board of Directors Meeting www.sfapms.org February 3-6, 2014 Weed Science Society of America 2014 Annual Meeting Vancouver, British Columbia www.wssa.net February 27 SFAPMS General Meeting www.sfapms.org June 16-19 Florida Lake Management Society 25th Annual Technical Symposium Stuart, FL www.flms.net October 13-16 Florida Aquatic Plant Management Society 38th Annual Training Conference Daytona Beach, FL www.fapms.org
Calendar of Upcoming Events “TrophyCatch” by Florida Fish
and Wildlife Conservation Commission
TrophyCatch is a new angler recognition program hosted by FWC. This program is free and provides valuable rewards to anglers who document and release largemouth bass that weigh in at over eight pounds. As long as the bass is caught legally in the state of Florida it is eligible. Please remember that you must release these fish. The rewards range in value from $100-$1000. The program’s goals include identifying the best bass fish nurseries, decreasing mortality, and promoting ecological values.
For information: TrophyCatchFlorida.com
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Applicator Information
Approaching the end of winter means summer is
right around the corner here in sunny south Florida.
Summer will bring with it all of its hot, humid, buggy
glory. Speaking of bugs, Florida is chock full of
parasites. One of which is Swimmer’s itch. While
some people think of swimmer’s itch as what you
get from larval jellyfish at the beach, there is a
freshwater parasite also known by the same name.
Swimmer’s itch, schistosome cercarial dermatitis, is
caused by a parasitic flatworm called a fluke. This
tiny worm is capable of causing an extreme amount of discomfort to plant managers.
Adult flukes live in the digestive tract of a few different species of aquatic birds. They lay their eggs
in the digestive tract and the eggs are then transferred through the bird’s excrement into the water.
When the larva hatch out of the eggs they swim in the water looking for a specific species of snail
which host the next stage of their life cycle. The snail is referred to as the vector. When the flukes
emerge from the snails they are in their second larval stage called cercaria. At this point in their life
cycle the cercaria will traditionally seek out another aquatic bird, its preferred host, to mature in and
lay eggs. On occasion, people, like plant managers, are in the water and the cercaria find them
instead. They burrow into the skin of the person and die shortly after leaving itchy, burning red spots
that can last for over a week.
One of our board members, Dr. Lyn Gettys of the
University of Florida here in south Florida had a
personal experience with this in late spring of 2013.
She had drained her freshwater aquatic plant tanks
to rake algae and after a few hours felt like she had
been stung by some ants, but didn’t see any marks.
Several days later her lower legs that had been
submerged in the water for hours were on fire with
itchiness and burning and covered in small red
spots. It took a few weeks for marks to go away but
no major damage was done by the flukes.
Continues on page 18
Cercariae; Health & Safety Watch
Infected Plant Tank; Dr. Gettys 2013
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One way to reduce your chances of contracting
schistosome cercarial dermatitis is to limit the amount
of time you spend unprotected in shallow freshwater
systems. If you must spend extended periods in the
water try a pair of waders. If you are not wearing
protection dry off
immediately after
exiting the water. Do
not feed aquatic
birds because this
may encourage them
to defecate in areas
where people work
and swim as well as
making the birds
expectant of human
food.
Dr. Gettys’ new protective equipment
Continued from page 17
Dr. Gettys 3 days after exposure; 2013
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We can help you with continuing education units for your license. Applicators seeking a license in the aquatic category must demonstrate practical knowledge of: • Pest organisms in aquatic environments • Control measures that pertain to the control of such pests • The equipment or methodologies required to safely and effectively implement such measures • Calculating the volume of water to be treated • Application rates • pH • Potential secondary effects • Various water use situations and the potential of downstream effects • Potential pesticide effects on non-target organisms; and • The principles of limited area application
Join SFAPMS Today!
Industry Announcements
LABELING CHANGES: US Department of Labor’s OSHA revises Hazard Communication Standard
In an effort to make international shipping,
manufacturing, transportation, and handling of
hazardous materials more efficient and safe, the United
States is changing the way we communicate about
labeling and updating our system. The new hazardous
communication system is the Globally Harmonized
System (GHS). More information regarding the new
system can be accessed through OSHA’s website:
www.osha.gov. Employers as of December 1st of 2013
must have trained all their employees in the new system.
By June 1st of this year all manufacturers will be using
the GHS for labeling. As of June 1st 2016 all changes will
have been made to new system and the transition period
will be complete. Some companies are already offering
the new SDS sheets to replace your old chemical
MSDS’s. Please keep in mind this not like the time the
United States tried to change to the metric system from
the English standard system. The hazardous
communication system is definitely changing and the
sooner we learn it and get accustomed to it, the smoother the transition will be. Pictured to the left is the
new pictogram system for quick reference.
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Page24 The Hydrophyte
South Florida APMS 6900 SW 21st Court Building 9 Davie, FL 33317
Place stamp here
South Florida Aquatic Plant Management Society proudly thanks
New SILVER Sponsors:
And Bronze Sponsor: