J. Beacham Furse

Habitat use and movements associated with changes in dissolved oxygen (DO) levels and hydrology for 20 radio-tagged largemouth bass {Micropterus salmoides) were studied in the Kissimmee River, Florida, in 1992 and 1993. River channel littoral vegetation, smartweed (Polygonum hydropiperoides) and spatterdock {Nuphar luteum), were habitat types bass most commonly used. Bass maintained home areas in remnant channels and the C-38 canal that had DO >2 ppm throughout the year. During summer when DO dropped slowly over several weeks, bass were frequently located in waters with DO between 1 and...

Vegetated areas of the littoral zone of Lake Okeechobee were sampled with 0.8-ha block nets during fall 1989, 1990, and 1991 to estimate fish assemblages and standing crops in 5 vegetation communities common in Florida. Data were used in conjunction with economic impact data of known-cause fish kill events, Rule 17-11.01 (animal damage valuation), Chapter 403, Florida Statutes, to estimate monetary values of the fisheries of important Lake Okeechobee vegetation communities. Mean total impact values per hectare of vegetated area ranged from $44,626 for Illinois pondweed (Potamogeton...