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Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission MyFWC.com Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission MyFWC.com Guidelines for designing and managing Florida ponds for recreation

Guidelines for designing and managing Florida pondsGuidelines for Designing and Managing Florida Ponds for Recreation . Florida Water Management District data). ponds are mandatory

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  • Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

    MyFWC.com

    Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

    MyFWC.com

    Guidelines for designing and managing

    Florida ponds for recreation

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    Introduction for managing a recreational waterbody including fishing,

    Fishing is one waterfowling and wildlife of the most pop- viewing. It covers such topics ular recreation- as water quality, vegetation al activities in and fish population manage-Florida. The ment. A reference section is state has many located on page 26 to provide small natural additional sources of infor-and manmade mation on these subjects. ponds that, if Whether you are construct-managed prop- ing a new pond or improv-erly, can provide excellent ing an existing one, if you fishing, waterfowl hunting need further assistance after and bird watching. Large- reading this publication and mouth bass, bream (bluegill referring to the Florida Fish and redear sunfish) and chan- and Wildlife Conservation nel catfish are raised in Flor- Commission (FWC) Web site ida fish ponds. Ponds can be (MyFWC.com), feel free to managed intensively for high consult a FWC fish or wildlife fish production while attract- biologist (see page 29). The ing wading birds, waterfowl FWC has biologists at each and other wildlife species. Of- of its five regional offices to ten, ponds are constructed or provide technical assistance. managed for a variety of uses If your goal is fi sh farming such as swimming, residential (aquaculture) and not recre-development, drainage, irriga- ational fishing, please contact tion, livestock watering and the Florida Department of mining. Some of these uses Agriculture and Consumer can be incompatible with fish Services (FDACS) Division of and wildlife pond manage- Aquaculture 850-488-5471 ment. Identifying conflict- and seek the advice of an ing uses must be a primary aquaculture biologist. concern when developing a fish and wildlife management program. Ecology

    This booklet was prepared to help pond own- It is necessary to have an un-ers develop a sound program derstanding of basic aquatic

    Guidelines for Designing and Managing Florida Ponds for Recreation

    ecology to manage a pondproperly. Ecology is the studyof relationships living thingshave to each other and their environment. These rela-tionships frequently operateat a complex level, where achange in one factor can in-fluence many different organ-isms and their habitats in a variety of ways.

    Figure 1 shows a sim-plified food pyramid, whichdepicts the interdependenceof various aquatic organisms.The bottom level representsvarious species of algae. Algaeare microscopic plants that use

    nutrients in combination with sunlight to produce food—aprocess called photosynthe-sis. Some algae are eaten bysmall, free-fl oating animalscalled zooplankton, locatedat the second level of the food pyramid. Organisms in the topfour levels generally consumeother organisms in the levelsshown immediately belowthem. A pond’s ability to sup-port a large number of organ-isms in the upper levels of thepyramid is dependent uponthe strength of its food base asdepicted by the lower levels.In ponds, humans, otters,

    Figure 1. Aquatic food pyramid is based on phytoplankton (microscopic plants) at the bottom, which serve as food for barely visible animals called zooplankton. In turn, small fish eat the zooplankton and themselves become prey for predators like bass and wading birds. The angler and hunter are at the top of this pyramid.

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  • -

    alligators and some wading Excessive fertility birds are the top predators. disrupts the food chain by

    10

    9

    8

    Largemouth bass are the top channeling too much energyfish consumers (predators) into algal production. Dur-that feed on insect-eating ing daylight periods, algaefishes such as bream, shiners cells produce oxygen required

    for respiration by fi sh. When 7

    (Sunrise) (Sunset)Dis

    solv

    ed O

    xyge

    n (m

    g/L)

    and minnows. Some pondsmay support gizzard and/orthreadfin shad populations.Both feed on plankton, and

    6

    5

    sunlight is not present (nightor overcast skies), oxygen

    12 am 6 am 12 pm 12 am production by algae is re-duced. Dense algal bloomsare important prey for bass.

    The objective for most pondsis to establish a simple pred-ator-prey relationship using

    Figure 2. Typical 24-hour dissolved oxygen (DO) cycle. 6 pm

    will deplete dissolved oxygen(DO) during periods of limited 1525

    Fish kills Rainfall (in)

    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    sunlight, and fish kills may re- 20 sult. Fish kills caused by lowlargemouth bass, bluegill and

    redear sunfish. Wildlife will

    Rai

    nfal

    l (in

    )

    FIsh

    Kill

    s

    15

    10

    10

    5

    DO levels are most common use the pond and shoreline during warmer months whenfor watering, feeding and hid- algal concentrations are high-ing from predators. est and extended periods of 5

    Algal production is calm weather reduce exchange 0limited in waters by the of atmospheric oxygen at the 0

    availability of nutrients, pond’s surface. Figure 2 shows mainly nitrogen and phospho- a typical 24-hour DO cycle,

    Figure 3. Twelve month rainfall-versus-fish kill event graphs (based on South

    rus. Ponds with low nutrient and Figure 3 shows when, concentrations are described during a 12-month period, fishas infertile and produce kills are most prevalent.limited quantities of aquatic Waterbodies can life. These waters are usually receive nutrients from manyextremely clear and support a sources within a watershed. low number of fish. Many of these are the results Moderate nutrient of human activity (e.g. agri-levels result in fertile waters cultural practices, lawn fertil-that possess the potential for izer and urban development),signifi cantly greater fi sh pro- while others occur naturallyduction than infertile waters. (e.g. nutrient-rich soils, de-Sport fish can be more numer- caying vegetation). Therefore,ous in fertile ponds due to the some pond owners may haveabundance of available food to eliminate or divert nutri-organisms. Fertile waters usu- ent sources to prevent exces-ally appear green as a result sive fertility.of high algal concentrations. Stormwater retention

    Guidelines for Designing and Managing Florida Ponds for Recreation

    Florida Water Management District data).

    ponds are mandatory in new Pond design residential and industrial de- and construction velopments in Florida. These areas are designed to collect ! Most states and coun-street and yard drainage, of- ties, as well as other mu-ten containing high concentra- nicipalities, have regula-tions of nutrients that would tions regarding the designlead to excessive algal produc- and installation of ponds. tion if allowed to enter natural Make sure that you comply waters. Prospective homeown- with all rules and obtain all ers should realize the water necessary permits before quality in many retention beginning construction. ponds is not conducive to sport fish production. Consequently, The first step in determin-fish and wildlife management ing a design is to consider potential may be limited. the purposes for which the

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  • pond will be used. A pond an embankment to impoundbuilt for drainage or watering water. Safety concerns andlivestock is not necessarily the maintenance requirementsbest design for a fi sh pond. are described in AgricultureIf the pond serves more than Handbook Number 590. a single purpose, construc- Your local NRCS tion should reflect its primary agent can provide detailedpurpose. Ponds used primarily pond construction informa-for agricultural purposes such tion about site selection, as water storage or watering soil permeability, whetheranimals should be designed to a plastic liner is needed andminimize adverse impacts that locations for soil analysis.farming activities may have This information is essential on water quality. Livestock in determining a pond’s natu-access should be limited to a ral fertility, pH (acidity) andsmall area to reduce erosion ability to retain water.and prevent high turbidity If possible, design yourlevels. Runoff from crop fields pond to allow near completeshould be diverted with swales draining. The ability toor berms to prevent excessive dewater allows for fi sh popu-nutrient loading, siltation and lation renovation, bottom contamination by pesticides. improvement and vegetation

    Information on plan- management. Dewatering isning, design and construction accomplished easily in em-of ponds is available from bankment ponds through athe United States Depart- standpipe/spillway system,ment of Agriculture. Contact while a water pump can beyour local Natural Resource used in excavated ponds. On Conservation Service (NRCS) the other hand, various pondagent and ask for Agriculture liners and sealers are avail-Handbook Number 590 titled able to prevent the possible Ponds — Planning, Design, problem of pond seepage and Construction (see page 26). unwanted water loss.

    Most ponds con- Ponds designed pri-structed in Florida consist marily for fi shing should of a hole excavated in fairly incorporate as much shorelinelevel ground and require as possible (Figure 4). Theminimal site maintenance. amount of available shoreline A second type is constructed can be increased by use ofwhere ground elevations vary peninsulas and islands in con-significantly and requires struction. Such construction

    Guidelines for Designing and Managing Florida Ponds for Recreation

    Bad Good

    Excellent

    Figure 4. Example of various pond configurations. The best pond shape has complex edges providing varied habitat for fish and wildlife.

    increases the “edge effect,” which results in concentration of sportfi sh, improves fishingsuccess and provides more shoreline habitat for wildlife.

    Ponds should be con-structed with mostly steep slopes (20- to 30-degree grade) to a depth of 8 to 15 feet. Steep shorelines will naturally limit the growth of aquatic plants. A narrow band of vegetation benefits the pond by providing fish and wild-life habitat and preventing shoreline erosion. However, excessive plant growth can cause problems. Sodding or stabilizing the land adjacent to the pond immediately after construction also will reduce erosion. Digging ponds

    deeper than 15 feet does not increase fish production, and deep ponds can develop seri-ous water quality problems if thermal stratifi cation occurs.

    Figure 5 (next page) shows a cross-section of a well-designed fish pond. Notice the bottom contours are irregu-lar, creating what fishermen call “structure.” Fish tend to congregate in these areas, making it easier for anglers to locate them. You can create structure during pond con-struction by leaving elevated outcroppings or rock piles or by installing fi sh attractors made of tree limbs or other man-made fish attractors sold through aquatic management supply companies.

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  • Pondweed

    White water lily

    Figure 5. Recommended profile and design for man-made pond. Note the deep spots and extra structural features on the bottom.

    Prior to starting con- Properly designedstruction, check with your ponds with a narrow fringe county, Florida Department of vegetation seldom develop of Environmental Protection problems. You can maintain(DEP), Water Management access sites simply by re-District (WMD), and the U.S. moving excess vegetation by Army Corps of Engineers hand. Planting desirable spe-(USACE) for any permit re- cies will allow you to maxi-quirements. mize the biological, aesthetic

    and recreational potential ofthe pond. A mixture of sub-

    Aquatic plant merged (below water), emer-management gent (stems below and leaves

    above water) and shoreline Aquatic plants growing in (entire plant out of water, but and around a pond provide can tolerate occasional flood-many benefits. They help ing) species are recommended maintain good water qual- for “aquascaping.” Desirable ity by reducing erosion and plants can be found in theabsorbing nutrients. Plants FWC’s Invasive Plant Man-provide cover for fish and a agement Section Circular substrate for the colonization #4 titled Plants for Lakefront of minute organisms used by Revegetation (see page 26). small fishes. Wildlife will use Figure 6 provides some exam-the shoreline vegetation for ples. When established, theseconcealment and as areas to plants may out-compete prob-search for food. lem species such as cattails

    Guidelines for Designing and Managing Florida Ponds for Recreation

    Eelgrass

    Spike-rush

    Arrow-head Bulrush

    Pickerelweed

    Figure 6. Desirable native plant species suitable for establishing a healthy pond. Aquatic plant line drawings are the copyright property of the Univer-sity of Florida Center for Aquatic Plants (Gainesville). Used with permission.

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  • and torpedo grass. The intro- In some instances, excessive duction of nonnative plants plant growth will deplete DOinto ponds that are connected and may cause fi sh kills. to natural waters is prohibited The Florida Coop-by law. FWC recommends that erative Extension Service or only plants native to Florida any FWC regional offi ce can be planted in ponds. Planting assist you with aquatic plantaround islands will provide ex- identification and manage-cellent habitat for wildlife that ment advice. will not interfere with bank The three methods for angling. You may need to ob- controlling nuisance plantstain a permit from the Florida are mechanical (removal byDepartment of Agriculture and hand or machine), biological Consumer Services (FDACS, (triploid grass carp and hya-see page 26) prior to any plant cinth weevil) and chemical collection or transplanting (herbicides).activities. FWC provides infor- Mechanical or hand mation pertaining to private removal is the safest method companies who specialize in and is preferred over eitheraquascaping and aquatic plant chemical or biological con-control. FWC’s Invasive Plant trol. Harvesting of the plantManagement Section also has material removes unwanted a web site that will help you nutrients from decomposingidentify and manage various plants and eliminates muckaquatic plant species (MyFWC. buildup on the pond bottom.com/WILDLIFEHABITATS/Inva- Before applying any herbicidesivePlants_index.htm). or mechanical control, contact Excessive gradual FWC to determine whether slopes, shallow ponds and the any permits or inspections areintroduction of problematic required.nonnative plants such as hy- When a biologicaldrilla and water hyacinth can agent can provide adequatelead to overgrowth of vegeta- vegetation control, it is usu-tion. When plants become too ally recommended over the useabundant, recreational use of chemicals. Triploid grassis restricted and the ability carp can be an effective tool toof predators (bass) to feed control certain plant species.on prey (bluegill) is reduced. Since triploid grass carp areGrowth rates of both bass and an exotic fish and importationbluegill will decrease, and of all such species is strictlyfishing quality will decline. regulated, you should refer to

    Guidelines for Designing and Managing Florida Ponds for Recreation

    the FWC Web site, or contact with stained or green coloredthe appropriate FWC regional water. Turbidity is caused byoffice to obtain a permit ap- clay and silt particles heldplication (see page 29). A in suspension in the waterbiologist may inspect the pond, column. Colored water that and if appropriate, will issue is clear, but resembles tea, is a permit to allow you to pur- caused by tannins and ligninschase a specified number of leached from certain uplandtriploid grass carp. You may soils. Ponds that are highlybe required to install a fish colored are capable of produc-barrier to prevent the carp ing good fi sh populations.from escaping to another wa- Green water is caused byter body. Only certifi ed triploid suspended microscopic (phy-grass carp are allowed for use toplankton) algae, and will besince these fish are sterile. discussed in the “Managing

    The last method for Pond Fertility” section.vegetation control is herbicid- Muddy water canal, and chemical control is fre- reduce sunlight penetration,quently the least expensive or which will disrupt biologicalthe most practical method. In production. Newly dug pondsextreme situations, a combi- will usually experience tem-nation of chemical treatment porary turbidity; however, iffollowed by the stocking of the pond fails to clear withingrass carp to maintain control, three or four months, take is a viable solution. corrective measures. The

    most common source of tur-bidity is erosion from barren

    Water quality shorelines and upland areas.Sodding, seeding and aquas-

    Maintaining good water qual- caping will reduce this source.ity is critical to pond manage- Resuspension of clay and siltment. Proper levels of pond can result from high winds,productivity are required to livestock wading along thesustain a fi sh population, shoreline, and the burrowingwhich supports wildlife. Poor actions of crayfish and certain water quality is the most fishes. Planting trees to buffercommon cause for poor pond winds and fencing livestockproduction. to restricted areas of the

    pond are effective. If crayfish■ Turbidity — Turbid or muddy are the suspected cause, thewater should not be confused establishment of largemouth

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    bass and bream will reduce determining how much limecrayfi sh populations. your pond requires. One ton

    If sources are con- of finely ground agriculturaltrolled and the water remains limestone will raise the pHturbid, it can be cleared by of one surface-acre by oneseveral methods. The easiest pH unit. Apply lime to theand safest method to reduce pond bottom (if dewatered),turbidity is to apply green hay pond surface or along theto the pond’s surface. Green shallow edges of the pond.hay attracts and neutralizes Response time and frequencycharged soil particles, causing of treatments will dependthem to settle on the pond’s on local soil conditions, pondbottom. Apply four to six bales flush rate and rainfall. of hay per surface acre. Tear

    0 7 14 the hay apart and distributeit evenly across the pond.The decaying hay will also

    More acidic More basic promote the growth of mi-croscopic plants and animals Figure 7. Understanding pH. The that provide food for small lower the number, the more acidic

    the pond water. A pH of 7 is neutral. fishes. Another way to reduceturbidity is to apply alum at arate of 200 pounds per sur- ■ Managing pond fertility —face acre. Spread it as evenly You can manage your pondas possible across the entire at different levels of fertilitysurface of the pond. Alum is depending on your desiresusually available from farm and objectives. Infertile pondssupply dealers who sell fertil- produce low fish crops; moreizer in bulk quantities. fertile ponds produce higher

    yields. Artificial methods to ■ Controlling pH — Ponds increase production includeconstructed on acidic soils can fertilization and supplemen-have low pH (highly acidic, tal feeding. In many ponds,Figure 7), which restricts the however, nutrient inputs arepond’s biological productiv- excessive and problems devel-ity. Fish growth, reproduction op from over-enrichment.and survival can be affected One way to determineby pH. Ideal pH should range a pond’s fertility is to measurefrom 6.0 to 8.0. You can water transparency duringincrease low pH by liming. A spring and summer. You cancounty agricultural exten- devise a simple tool to do thesion agent can assist you in job. Cut a 2-inch square of

    Guidelines for Designing and Managing Florida Ponds for Recreation

    white plastic from a bleach fertilized lawns, cultivated bottle and fasten it to the end crops and livestock are oftenof a wooden yardstick. Push overloaded with nutrients. this apparatus into the pond Consider these factors before vertically until the white plas- pond construction. Fenc-tic cannot be seen. Note the ing the pond from livestock,depth at which the plastic first discontinuing use of fertilizersdisappears. within 20 feet of the pond,

    If the plastic disap- and constructing swales orpears between 16 and 36 berms adjacent to the pondinches, your pond has a desir- edge will help reduce nutri-able productivity level. Vis- ent inputs. Do not allow lawn ibility greater than 36 inches clippings, leaves or any otherindicates low production. In organic material to enterthis situation, fertilization your pond. Leave an “un-can increase fi sh production. manicured” buffer of desirable By adding nutrients to the vegetation between lawns,water, you will stimulate algal agricultural fi elds, pastures, growth and strengthen the and the waterbody. This helpsfood chain. Fertilization is an reduce nutrients and erosion. expensive, time-consuming Retention ponds requiredand complicated process. If for new developments aredone improperly, undesirable extremely vulnerable to pooreffects will result. You should water quality since, by de-fertilize only if your pond is sign, they collect runoff frominfertile and you strongly de- streets, parking lots andsire maximum fi sh production. lawns. However, if homeown-Overfertilization will cause ers adhere to the above sug-fish kills; consult a FWC biolo- gestions, those too can providegist before starting a fertiliza- a waterbody for recreationtion program. and aesthetic enjoyment.

    If visibility is less than16 inches, it is important to ■ Fish kills, disease and distinguish whether turbid- parasites — Most fi sh kills ity or suspended microscopic result from low DO conditions algae is to blame. Healthy that overfertile ponds com-algae blooms give the water a monly experience. Algae andgreen hue. If the pond is over- aquatic plants using oxygen inenriched, sources of nutrient the absence of sunlight (night-inputs should be identified time or cloudy days), decay-and eliminated. Ponds lo- ing vegetation or the inputcated near septic drain fields, of runoff containing organic

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  • matter can deplete oxygenlevels. Ponds located near coastal areas may experiencesaltwater intrusion from sur-face or groundwater sources.Rapid changes in temperature,DO, salinity and pH can stressthe fish population and cause a fish kill resulting from asecondary bacterial or viralinfection. Disease outbreaks may also occur in crowded fishpopulations that compete forspace, food or reproductive ad-vantage. Spawning stress oc-curs because fish are expend-ing a lot of energy, feedingless and are in close proximityto each other. The larger thewaterbody, the less that can bedone to stop a fish kill once it has begun. It is best to let thekill run its course.

    The best way to pre-vent a fish kill is to maintain good water quality. If youbegin an intensive supplemen-tal feeding program, sudden

    stoppage may create foodshortages and stress. If DOrelated fish kills occur on a regular basis, you may want toinstall an aeration system (Fig-ure 8). Paddle wheels, bottomairstones, fountains and other devices that create bottom-to-top vertical mixing (destrati-fication) of the water columnwhile adding oxygen can helpmaintain adequate DO lev-els and reduce the chances of a fish kill. Consult a FWC biologist or aquaculture supplycompany representative beforemaking a decision on aeration.

    Parasitic animals can be found in most fi sh. Theydwell in the gills, eyes, flesh,digestive tract, reproduc-tive organs and skin. Theseorganisms are a naturalpart of a fi sh’s environment. Most parasites do not seri-ously affect fi sh mortalityand rarely cause fi sh kills. Human consumption of fish

    containing parasites posesno health threat if the fi sh is properly cooked.

    The input (from runoffor direct application) of toxicpesticides is another causeof fish kills. When chemi-cally treating large areas ofvegetation during warmermonths, only treat one-thirdof the total area scheduled for treatment at a time, waiting three weeks betweentreatments. Exercise extreme

    Largemouth bass

    Channel catfish

    caution when applying anychemicals near the pond.

    Fish management

    Once you have designed yourpond and addressed waterquality and aquatic plantmanagement concerns, thenext step is to determinefish management strategy.Evaluate your desired species(Figure 9), level of manage-

    Bluegill

    Redear sunfish

    problem aquatic vegetation. Illustrations by Duane Raver, Jr.; triploid grass Figure 8. An aeration system will improve water quality and help prevent low-oxygen-related fi sh kills. This system utilizes an air compressor and airstones. carp by Ted Walke.

    14 Guidelines for Designing and Managing Florida Ponds for Recreation Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission ■ MyFWC.com 15

    Triploid grass carp

    Figure 9. These species are desirable for stocking ponds. Largemouth bass is the most popular of the game fishes, but requires large numbers of prey for good growth. The bluegill and redear sunfish provide food for the largemouth bass and are good panfish. The channel catfish is a popular food and sport fish and can be stocked alone or with other spe-cies. The triploid grass carp can be stocked (with permit) to help control

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  • ment intensity and realistic restocking is usually the mostexpectations. Then design feasible method of correctingand implement a sound fish an unbalanced or undesir-management program. Seek able fish population. Properseveral sources of advice methods to kill out a pondbefore making any decisions are covered in the renovation on stocking. The FWC web section. Whether your pond issite or the Regional Offi ce can newly dug or renovated, stockprovide a list of fi sh suppliers fingerling fish soon, before a in your area. (Note: state op- fish population becomes estab-erated hatcheries do not stock lished inadvertently.privately owned waterbodies). Ponds less than one

    surface acre in size generally■ Establishing a fi shery — will not provide a good large-There are three reasons to mouth bass/bream fi shery forconsider stocking: (1) the pond a substantial length of time.is new with no fi sh population; Channel catfish are recom-(2) undesirable species have mended for stocking, sinceinvaded the pond; or (3) an es- natural reproduction is limit-tablished fish population has ed in small ponds. This allowsreached an unbalanced state a pond owner to have a fisherywhere prey species (bream) he can maintain without fear have overpopulated and in- of overpopulation or unbal-terfered with predator (bass) ance. If you want to begin fish-reproduction, or vice-versa. ing immediately, stock adult

    An unbalanced popula- catfish. The disadvantage oftion may be the result of fish stocking only channel catfish kills, improper fi sh harvest, is that they require supple-incorrect stocking ratios, poor mental feeding to achieve goodwater quality or a combina- growth. Keep accurate harvesttion of these factors. Stocking records so as the populationfi ngerling game fish into an becomes depleted, you canexisting fish population is inef- stock more fish. A catfi sh pondfective. Survival of fingerlings is very simple to manage andis low, and stocking them will provides good fishing and an not improve fi shing success. edible crop.Stocking large juveniles, or 1 You can establish a year-old fish can be success- largemouth bass/bream fish-ful, provided there is adequate ery in a new pond by stockinghabitat to ensure survival. 250-500 bream fingerlingsRenovation (killing out) and per acre in the fall, followed

    Guidelines for Designing and Managing Florida Ponds for Recreation

    by 50-100 largemouth bass threadfin shad, it may befingerlings per acre the next desirable to stock hatchery-spring. Numbers stocked reared sunshine bass. These varies, depending on pond fish are a cross between fertility. The bream stocking striped bass and white bass.should consist of approxi- They will not reproduce, somately 70 percent bluegill you will need to restock them.and 30 percent redear sun- Overstocking sunshine bass orfish. This stocking schedule introducing them into infertilewill allow bream to grow and waters will create competi-reproduce. Some of their off- tion with largemouth bassspring are then eaten by de- and should be avoided. If shad veloping bass. You can begin are stocked as prey, only usebass fishing 18 months after threadfin shad; their limited stocking largemouth bass fin- growth is best suited as a preygerlings. Bluegill and redear species for largemouth bass,sunfish harvest should begin sunshine bass, and black crap-eight months after stocking. pie, if present.Restocking is not usually re- Fish species youquired since bass and bream should not stock are common reproduce naturally. In some carp, brown bullhead, blackponds that are infertile or crappie (in most situations),acidic, bass fi ngerlings should Georgia Giants, Nile perchbe stocked again one year (tilapia), gizzard shad, orafter the initial stocking. This any non-native or aquariumis needed when bass grow species. It is unlawful toslowly and fail to reproduce stock exotic species, or nativeafter their first year. If prop- species from hatcheries resid-erly managed, a largemouth ing outside the state withoutbass/bream fishery can sus- FWC permission. While blacktain itself indefinitely. crappie are a popular game

    You can stock catfish fish in lakes, they have aalong with bass and bream. tendency to overpopulate andStock fi ngerling catfi sh (100- cause unbalanced populations500 per acre) with bass in in smaller ponds.the spring. Once bass haveestablished and grown, it is ■ Fishery maintenance — The necessary to stock larger (≥ 8 main objective for manag-inches) catfish, since bass will ing a bass/bream fishery is toconsume catfish fingerlings. maintain a properly balancedIn fertile ponds that support population. If too many or too

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  • Figure 10. Bluegill sizes indicative of balanced (left with robust healthy shape) and unbalanced (right with skinny undernourished appearance) populations. Unbalanced populations occur when there are too many prey fish and not enough predators—the result is not enough food and space for the prey fish, so a stunted population occurs. Illustrations by or modified from Duane Raver, Jr.

    few bass are harvested (re- population also adversely af-moved) from small ponds, the fects largemouth bass repro-balance established with the duction and results in poorinitial stocking can become fi shing success. disturbed. Overharvest of bass A practice of restrictingand/or under harvest of bream bass harvest coupled with highare one cause of population removal of bream will helpimbalance, and results in poor prevent stunting. As a generalfi shing success. rule, remove 10 pounds of

    Stunted bream are a bream for each pound of large-good indication of imbalance. mouth bass. Take care not to Stunted bream are usually remove too many largemouthbetween 3 and 5 inches in bass, particularly in ponds lesstotal length and have abnor- than 5 acres. mally large eyes (Figure 10). If you notice many Stunted bream will constitute small bass two to three years a large percentage of a pond’s after stocking, it may be nec-total fish population, and few essary to harvest some bass bream will be larger than 6 that are less than 12 inches inches. Bream reproduce at in length. An overcrowded high rates and stunting occurs population of small bass will when reproduction exceeds exhibit slow growth, and you predation. A stunted bream will catch very few quality-

    Guidelines for Designing and Managing Florida Ponds for Recreation

    size individuals. While remov- Environmental Services (AES)ing smaller bass, maintain a in the Florida Department of practice of catch-and-release Agriculture and Consumer for those greater than 14 Services (FDACS) can provideinches. information regarding the

    Once a pond becomes applicator certifi cation and unbalanced with too many licensing process (www.flaes.bluegill, the addition of adult org/complimonitoring/ bass may help restore proper databasesearch/applcert prey/predator ratios. This &licensing.html). Pesticide measure is practical only in certification employees cansmall ponds where the owner assist with locating thecan acquire enough adult nearest licensed applicatorbass. Bass should be at least (850-617-7870).10-12 inches long and stocked Seek the advice of aat 10 to 15 per acre. Stocking FWC biologist when planningfingerling bass does not work a pond renovation. Applica-in this situation (see “Estab- tors should thoroughly readlishing a Fishery” section). and follow the instructions

    supplied on the chemical con-■ Renovation — If supple- tainer. Rotenone is not harm-mental stocking of adult bass ful to livestock (except swine)is not possible, one way to when applied properly andrestore a fishery is to chemi- at recommended applicationcally renovate the existing rates. Treated water shouldpopulation and restock with not be used for drinking orfingerling fish. Rotenone is a irrigation of crops and swim-fish toxicant that kills by pre- ming is not recommendedventing fish from using oxy- until treatment is complete.gen present in a pond. Only Water temperatures lowercertified applicators may ap-than 70o F reduce rotenone’sply rotenone as it is labeled a effectiveness and prolong itsrestricted use pesticide (RUP) toxicity. The best time to reno-by the U.S. Environmental vate is late summer. Restock-Protection Agency. Individu-ing fingerling bream shouldals interested in using rote-

    none should contact a licensed then occur in fall followed by applicator or become a certi- bass during the spring. fied pesticide applicator. The Drain the pond to the Pesticide Certifi cation Section greatest extent possible prior of the Division of Agricultural to application to reduce the

    Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission ■ MyFWC.com 18 19

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  • amount of chemical needed for renovation. We recom-mend using 5 percent emulsi-fied liquid rotenone for pondrenovation, due to the dif-ficulty of applying powderedrotenone properly. To deter-mine how many gallons ofrotenone are needed, multiplysurface acreage by averagepond depth; then multiply by0.7. (For a 2-acre pond withaverage depth of 6 feet: 2 x 6x 0.7 = 8.4 gallons required.)Be certain all outfl ows from the pond remain closed for atleast three weeks after rote-none application to preventkilling fish in areas outside of the pond. A ratio of one gallonliquid rotenone to fi ve gallonswater should be mixed prior toapplication. Uniform dis-tribution of the fi sh toxicant is essential to obtain properresults. Collect and bury alldead fish. Do not use dead fishas feed. Do not stock fi sh for at least one month after rote-none application.

    Another way to restore a fishery is to drain, dry orscrape the lake bottom, refillthe pond, and then restockwith fingerling fish. All Florida lakes and/or ponds over timegradually fill in and developmuck deposits on the bottomthat can affect water quality,spawning, and juvenile fishsurvival. The more frequentlyvegetation is chemically

    treated and the more silt that flows into the lake, the quickerthe lake fi lls in.

    ■ Feeding — Fish-feeding sta-tions are excellent for attract-ing bluegill and channel cat-fish to a location where theycan be caught easily. Fish foodcan be used to supplementtheir natural diet, and if fishare fed at adequate levels,growth rates will increasesignificantly. Do not feed inponds where grass carp havebeen stocked to control vegeta-tion. Grass carp will stop eat-ing vegetation and consumethe fi sh food. Commercially prepared fish food is available at most farm supply stores. Pellets areavailable in various sizes and in either a floating or sinkingform. The advantage of usingfloating pellets, rather thansinking food, is that the pondmanager can more accuratelydetermine how much food the fish are eating. This preventsexcessive feeding, which canlead to oxygen depletion in thepond. With floating food, it iseasy to observe feeding fish,allowing you to determine siz-es of bluegill to evaluate popu-lation balance. Disadvantageof floating pellets is that thefood can drift into shallow wa-ter, making it diffi cult for fishto feed and more is consumed by birds. It is recommended

    Figure 11. Automatic fish feeders can improve fish growth rates and also congregate fish making it easier to catch them.

    Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission ■ MyFWC.com Guidelines for Designing and Managing Florida Ponds for Recreation

    to mix sinking and floatingfeed if observing fish at the surface is desired. Regardlessof the type of fish food used, dispense only enough so thatall is eaten within 15 minutes.

    Dispense food at thesame time and location everyday to train fish. You can feed fish as often as you desire,but twice daily is usuallyenough for recreational fishponds. Initially, dispense only2 pounds per surface acre perday. If food is consumed rap-idly, then gradually increasethe amount dispensed, up toa maximum of 20 pounds persurface acre daily. Discon-tinue or switch to sinking andreduce feeding amount whenwater temperature is below60o F because fi sh usually

    become less active. Implement intensivefeeding programs only whenyou desire maximum fishproduction (aquaculture orfee fi shing). High fi sh densitycan increase the frequency ofdisease outbreaks, and sudden stoppage of feeding can stressthe population. Dispensingtoo much feed can depletedissolved oxygen levels, andaeration is often required to prevent fi sh kills. Automatic feeders relieve the pond managerfrom the daily duty of feeding. Figure 11 shows two types ofautomatic feeders you can use.The amount of feed, frequencyof discharge and time of feed-ing are controllable. Pricesfor various models are from

    21 20

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  • ... , ..

    $200 to $800 depending on the capabilities of the unit. Some pond owners suspend a bug-zapping light over their pond. At night, the light attracts and kills many flying insects. Bugs dropping on the water surface are ea-gerly consumed by bluegill and even small bass. It is best to suspend these off the end of a small pier or over a fi sh attrac-tor, but somewhat away from where you may stand to fish.

    ■ Fish Attractors — Fish at-tractors will help concentrate fish where anglers can catch them easily (Figure 12). Fish are attracted to brush piles in search of food and protec-tion from predators. Oak and citrus trees provide excellent attractor materials. Recycled Christmas trees, although popularly used, do not make good fish attractors; they do not last very long because the

    branches tend to be too small and the trunk is a softwood. Green trees with numerous small limbs are best and sink with a minimum weighting material. Rock piles, plastic pipe, concrete culverts and wood boxes also can provide shelter areas. If a sandy or gravel bottom is not present, areas 5’ (W) X 20’ (L) X 4” (D) of #57 lime rock create attrac-tors and spawning areas for largemouth bass and bream. There are also many man-made attractors on the market which eliminates refurbishing natural materials. Placing brush in lakes owned by two or more parties may require a permit from DEP.

    Wildlife management

    The availability of water, foodand cover will attract many

    Figure 12. Fish attractors, whether natural or man-made, provide cover that attracts and holds fi sh. Here, cinder blocks are used to anchor small trees on the bottom.

    Guidelines for Designing and Managing Florida Ponds for Recreation

    types of wildlife to your pond. Many people incorrect-Many species add to the ly assume turtles are harm-natural beauty and enjoy- ful to a fish population. The ment of the pond while others diet of most turtles consists may cause problems. primarily of vegetation and Most birds are an aes- dead animals. A few species thetic asset to ponds. Wad- such as alligator snapping ing birds such as herons, and softshell turtles do feed egrets, ibis primarily upon fish, but their and even predation is not detrimental wood storks to the overall fi sh population. may visit your A limited number of turtles pond. These can be caught for food. Ref-birds eat small erence the FWC Freshwater fish, but will not Fishing Regulations booklet have a major affect or contact a FWC offi ce for on the fi shery. An information concerning the osprey or eagle may taking of turtles. catch a large fish, Alligators are migra-but their effects Great blue tory at times and will findheron are insignifi cant. your pond sooner or later. Cormorants and anhingas Their presence is of little swim underwater in pursuit concern unless they lose their of small fish, and can reduce fear of humans. Feeding sport fish populations if too alligators is dangerous and many are present. strictly prohibited by state Most people are afraid and federal laws. They do not of snakes, and the feeling is affect recreational fi sheries. If mutual. Pond owners should you observe an alligator more learn to identify venom- than 4 feet long that displays ous snakes. Non-venomous bold or aggressive behavior, water snakes are much more call the FWC Alligator Hotline common, and they feed on a 1-866-FWC-GATOR (392-variety of animals including 4286) to request its removal. frogs, tadpoles and small fish. Otters are cute and Frogs are very vocal at fun to observe, but unfortu-night when pond owners are nately, they can harm the fish trying to sleep. Frog density in population of a small pond. the pond will be very low when Beaver and nutria can also bass are managed properly. damage a pond by destroy-

    Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission ■ MyFWC.com 22 23

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  • ing surrounding trees and bush, willows, and Florida vegetation stands. Details maples also provide foodconcerning otter, beaver and resources, cover, nestingnutria removal are available habitat, and perching sitesin the FWC Hunting Regula- for a variety of birds. Artifi-tions booklet, or from any cial nesting structures (nestFWC office. boxes) can be attached to

    One of the most im- trees or placed on posts withportant strategies to improve predator guards near thewildlife habitat around the pond to attract cavity-nestingpond is to establish a buf- birds such as wood ducks, fer of vegetation along the purple martins and bluebirds.pond’s shoreline. The veg- Guidelines for constructingetative buffer will improve various nest boxes are avail-sediment and nutrient re- able from any FWC Regionaltention, help stabilize the office. Woody stem plantsshoreline, and improve water have the additional benefi t of quality. The vegetative buf- providing shade and servingfer zone should include a as windbreaks and sight andvariety of native plants such sound barriers. as grasses and herbaceous The location of plantsseed producing plants and can be as important as thewoody stem plants such as species planted. For in-trees and shrubs. stance, trees or shrubs should

    Grass and herbaceous never be planted on a damplants such as wild millets, or spillway as their rootsnut grasses, and numerous can damage or weaken thenative “volunteer” plants structures and may attractprovide nesting cover and burrowing animals. Also, shelter for a variety of wild- consider planting trees farlife. Many of these plants enough back from the water’sprovide food resources such edge such that they allowas seeds, berries, and other enough sun to reach grassesedible plant parts. They also and other herbaceous plantsserve to attract numerous in- and allow easy access forsects, which are an important recreation. Areas planted indietary component for birds, grasses and herbaceous coverreptiles, amphibians, fi sh and should be protected from dis-a variety of mammals. turbance by livestock.

    Woody stem plants, fl ooding and such as wax myrtles, salt drainage of a pond can be

    Guidelines for Designing and Managing Florida Ponds for Recreation 24 When

    controlled, plant and animal discourage domestic duckscommunities can be en- and geese from using yourhanced by water level ma- pond, because they are un-nipulation. For instance, natural and compete with na-implementing a slow, one- to tive wildlife. In fact, domestic two-foot drawdown over a mallards are causing majorperiod of four to six weeks problems for Florida’s native,in early spring will provide wild mottled ducks. For more additional food resources for information, visit FWC’s spring migrating waterfowl. Waterfowl Web site (MyFWC.

    As water level recedes com/duck/) and click on thealong the ponds edge, newly links “Florida’s Waterfowl” exposed mudflats can also and “Mallards in Florida.” attract a variety of springmigrating shorebirds andwading birds. Drawdownswill stimulate the growthof beneficial plants on theexposed mud flats, which can Mottled duck be slowly reflooded with the accumulation of water dur- For the landowner, there ing the summer rainy season. are several cost-share incen-When reflooded, these plants tive programs for improvingwill provide food and cover for wetlands and surroundingmany fish, amphibians and uplands for which your prop-wading birds. Drawdowns can erty may qualify. For addi-be invaluable in facilitating tional information on these pond revitalization, structure programs and other habitatrepairs, and/or redesign. improvements, contact your Other considerations local FWC Private Lands Bi-to enhancing a pond’s attrac- ologist or the nearest NRCStiveness to wildlife are to add office for details. large rocks and logs along Following these guide-the ponds edge and in shal- lines should help providelow water. These will be used good fish and wildlife habitat as cover and nesting sites in the form of food, water, by small animals and serve and cover. This habitat will as basking sites for turtles. attract a variety of species toThese areas are also good for your pond and provide year-fi sh habitat. round viewing and recreation-

    We recommend you al opportunities.

    Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission ■ MyFWC.com 25

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  • License requirements ■ Suwannee River WMD and fee fishing 9225 County Road 49Live Oak, FL 32060

    386-362-1001License requirements (My-www.srwmd.state.fl.us/FWC.com/License), rules and

    regulations that pertain to ■ St. Johns River WMD all ponds are available at any 4049 Reid Street Commission office. Some pond Palatka, FL 32177 owners generate income by 386-329-4500 charging a fee for fishermen http://sjr.state.fl.us/to fish in their pond. Short- ■ South Florida WMDterm and long-term leases are 3301 Gun Club Roadcommon. West Palm Beach, FL 33406

    561-686-8800 www.sfwmd.gov/

    Sources of ■ Southwest Florida WMDadditional information

    2379 Board Street Brooksville, FL 34604The following are topics in 352-796-7211which the sources listed be-www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/low should be contacted for:

    Florida Department of A = Aquaculture Environmental Protection DC = Pond design and con-P, V, WQ struction 3900 Commonwealth Blvd.F = Fish management Tallahassee, FL 32399LI = Landowner incentives 850-245-2118

    P = Permits www.dep.state.fl.us/V = Vegetation management W = Wildlife management Natural Resources WQ = Water quality Conservation Service

    DC, LI Water Management Districts: 2614 NW 43rd Street P, WQ, V Gainesville, FL 32606

    352-338-9541■ Northwest WMD 81 Water Management Drive www.fl.nrcs.usda.gov/ Havana, FL 32333-4712 850-539-5999 www.nwfwmd.state.fl.us/

    Guidelines for Designing and Managing Florida Ponds for Recreation

    US Army Corps of Engineers Florida Aquatic Plant P Management Society 710 San Marco Blvd. WQ, V Jacksonville, FL 32207 PO Box 560700 904-232-2568 Orlando, FL 32856-1327 www.saj.usace.army.mil/ www.fapms.org/

    Florida Department University of Florida IFAS of Forestry A, F, V, W, WQ LI, P, V, W ■ Fisheries and Aquatic 3125 Conner Blvd. Sciences Tallahassee, FL 32399 7922 NW 71st Street 850-488-6591 Gainesville, FL 32653-3071 www.fl-dof.com/ 352-392-4817

    www.fishweb.ifas.u fl.edu/Florida Department ■ Aquatic Plants: www. of Agricultural and plants.ifas.ufl.edu/guide/Consumer Services ■ Wildlife Ecology and A Conservation 1203 Governors Square Blvd 110 Newins-Ziegler Hall Tallahassee, FL 32301 Gainesville, FL 32611-0430 850-488-5471 352-846-0643 www.floridaaquaculture.com/ www.wec.ufl.edu/extension/contact.htm ■ Plants for Wildlife: www.

    wec.ufl.edu/extension/ fl_habi-US Fish and Wildlife Service tat_program.htm F, LI, W ■ All UF Extension Publica-1875 Century Blvd tions: www.wec.ufl.edu/Ex-Suite 400 tension/Extenspubs.htm Atlanta, GA 30345 404-679-4000 Aquaplant Pond Manager www.fws.gov/southeast Diagnostics Tool

    V Southern Regional Texas A&M University Aquaculture Center AgriLife Extension Service A, F, WQ, V 312 Nagle Hall, TAMUS 2258 127 Experimental Station Rd. College Station, TX 77843-2258 Stineville, MS 38776 979-845-7473 662-686-3285 http://aquaplant.tamu.edu/www.msstate.edu/dept/srac index.htm

    Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission ■ MyFWC.com 26 27

    http:MyFWC.comwww.msstate.edu/dept/srachttp:http://aquaplant.tamu.eduwww.fws.gov/southeastwww.wec.uflhttp:www.fapms.orghttp:www.saj.usace.army.milhttp:www.nwfwmd.state.flhttp:www.dep.state.flhttp:www.swfwmd.state.flhttp:www.sfwmd.govhttp:http://sjr.state.flhttp:www.srwmd.state.flwww.wec.ufl.edu/extensionhttp:www.floridaaquaculture.comwww.fishweb.ifas.uhttp:www.fl-dof.comhttp:Drivewww.fl.nrcs.usda.gov

  • Northwest

    Southwest

    jl .. .:J''O• (?>

    QQ Morwoe

    Lake Watch F, V, WQ Citizen Hotline 1-800-527-3928 lakewatch.ifas.ufl.edu/

    Association of Florida Native Nurseries V http://www.afnn.org/

    The Center for Wetlands V, W, WQ http://www.cfw.ufl.edu/

    FWC Invasive Plant Management Section V MyFWC.com/WILDLIFEHA-BITATS/InvasivePlants_in-dex.htm

    FWC Landowner Assistance Program LI, V, W MyFWC.com/CONSERVA-TION/ConservationYou_LAP_index.htm

    Florida Wildlife Conservation Guide LI, V, W MyFWC.com/conservation/FWCG.htm

    County websites P http://myfloridacounty.com/countyportals/

    Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and Sport Fish Restoration (SFR) funds helped pay for creation ofthis publication. SFR monies are federal tax dollars collected from the sale of fishing equipment, accessories, and motor boatfuel taxes to support access improvements, educational pro-

    grams, aquatic habitat improvement, and fi sheries research.

    This agency and the Department of the Interior prohibit discrimination byrace, color, nationality, age, sex or handicap. If you believe you have been dis-criminated against in any program, activity or facility of this agency, writeto: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 620 South MeridianStreet, Tallahassee, FL 32399-1600; or to: Offi ce for Human Relations, US-FWS, Department of Interior, Washington, D.C. 20204.

    Printed on recycled paper. Cover photo provided by Plantation Marketing Group, LLC. Illustrations on pp. 3, 7, 8, 12, 14, 20, 22, 23 and 25 by John Cimbaro, FWC (illustrations on pp. 3, 7 and 8 after Paul Thomas, FWC).

    Guidelines for Designing and Managing Florida Ponds for Recreation

    Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Headquarters and Regional Offices

    MyFWC.com

    Headquarters ■ Northeast Region 620 South Meridian Street 1239 Southwest 10th Street Tallahassee, FL 32399-1600 Ocala, FL 34471-0323850-488-4676 352-732-1225 800-955-8771 TDD ■ Southwest Region ■ Northwest Region 3900 Drane Field Road 3911 Highway 2321 Lakeland, FL 33811-1299Panama City, FL 32409-1658 863-648-3200 850-265-3676 ■ South Region ■ North Central Region 8535 Northlake Blvd. 3377 East U.S. Highway 90 West Palm Beach, FL 33412-Lake City, FL 32055-8795386-758-0525 3303561-625-5122

    FWC Web Site — MyFWC.com Fishing License Sales — 1-888-FISH FLORIDA (347-4356) Wildlife Alert (to report fi shing/boating violations) — 1-888-404-3922 Fish Kill Hotline — 1-800-636-0511 Alligator Hotline — 1-866-FWC-GATOR (392-4286)

    Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission ■ MyFWC.com 28 29

    http:MyFWC.comhttp:MyFWC.comhttp:MyFWC.comhttp:oridacounty.comhttp://myflhttp://www.cfw.uflhttp:http://www.afnn.orghttp:lakewatch.ifas.ufl.edu

  • Our forests, rivers and creeks, and coastal waters are invaluable to fish and wildlife, and to our own quality of life. But recent predictions indicate that our state’s human population may double to 36 million in the next 50 years. The Wildlife 2060 re-port helps illustrate the changes that may occur to Florida’s fish and wildlife and in our own lifestyles if the state’s population doubles.

    What does the future hold for Florida’s fish and wildlife? That’s up to all of us. Read the report online at: MyFWC.com/conservation/FWC2060_index.htm

    Guidelines for Designing and Managing Florida Ponds for Recreation

    The land-use planning efforts and habitat management decisions made by land manag-ers today will determine the future for fi sh and wildlife tomorrow. As such, the FWC strives to provide science-based fish and wildlife assis-tance to land managers. The Florida Wildlife Conservation Guide is an online tool for land managers seeking fish and wildlife assistance and can be accessed at:

    MyFWC.com/conservation/FWCG.htm

    Additional Landowner Assistance Program information may be attained at:

    MyFWC.com/CONSERVATION/ConservationYou_LAP_index.htm

    Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission ■ MyFWC.com 30 31

    http:MyFWC.com

    Pond Management Booklet_CS3_6_FINAL_PDF COVERPond_Management_Booklet_2013_BODY