March and April are important months for fish and invertebrate reproduction in the Caloosahatchee estuary. Key spawning activity occurs during March through May for blue crab, and important forage fish including yellowfin menhaden, bay anchovy, and silversides. Game fish species spawning during the March through May period include tarpon, silver perch, sand seatrout, seatrout and black drum.
Salinity is an important factor affecting fish and shellfish reproduction and recruitment. Salinity however is or has been above optimal levels for reproduction in the Caloosahatchee estuary. Nearly every year since the minimum flow rule was adopted in 2001 by the South Florida Water Management District, the salinity in the Caloosahatchee estuary has been exceeded. Another way of saying this is that not enough fresh water is entering the estaury to maintain seagrass regrowth and for optimal fish and shellfish reproduction. Let your elected officials know that you support policies that promote a health estuary in a timely manner.
Be on the lookout for manatees during the late winter months when they may be moving up river in search of warmer water or food. Lee County had the dubious distinction of leading the state once again in annual manatee mortality.
The Calusa Waterkeeper is still recruiting volunteer rangers for monitoring local waters. Call John Cassani at 239-444-8584 for more information or visit www.calusawaterkeeper.org.
