The Hydrophyte Volume 19 Issue 4

The South Florida Aquatic Plant Management Society

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The Hydrophyte Volume 19 Issue 4

Highlights Recovering Lost Treasures

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Limnology 101

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Mysterious “Blob” (Bryozoa)

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The Utilization of Chara in Lake Management

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www.sfapms.org

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President’s Message

Board Members - 2015

Fourth and Final Greetings for 2015!

Officers 2015

I hope this final issue of the Hydrophyte for 2015 finds everyone well, although I am sure, a bit ragged after another season of caring for our South Florida waters…

Craig Smith, President

(561) 301-8326

Linda Wolonick, Secretary/

(954) 370-0041

A lot of work goes into the production and publication of each Hydrophyte. I want to recognize the individuals that put so much of their time and effort into this great mode of communication for our society. The quality of the printing is very good, and the content continues to be educational, informative and highly relevant to our professional lives. A sincere thanks goes to Steve Weinsier and Linda Wolonick for all of their hard work!

Mark Weinrub, Immediate Past

As my term as President of the society comes to a close, I look back at 2015 and one word comes to mind, thanks.

Firstly, thanks to you, our members for such fantastic attendance at our General Meetings this year! Thanks also to our Board of Directors for your time and commitment to provide ongoing direction for the society! Thanks to Linda Wolonick for all of your hard work managing the business side of the society, and finally, thanks to our Sponsors!

Without the support of our sponsoring companies, the SFAPMS could not exist.

I want to welcome Norma Cassinari as incoming President. Thanks Norma for your commitment to lead the society into 2017. We will be kicking off 2016 with a modified General Meeting. The Board of Directors have moved to modify the first meeting of each year into an Annual Scholarship Meeting for lack of a better term. This meeting will have more of a “mini-trade-show” feel, with the program focus being our sponsors…

Once again, we will turn to our sponsors to use this meeting as an additional opportunity to present their products and services to the general membership. In return, this added sponsorship opportunity will be our dedicated annual funding source for the Francis Rossback Scholarship. Our sponsors of this meeting are invited to set up demonstrations or exhibits. We will offer each sponsor the opportunity for a short presentation, and there will be time in the program for the membership to circulate through the exhibit areas. You will not want to miss this meeting!

Thanks again for a great year! It has been my pleasure serving as President of our fine society!

Regards, Craig Smith, SFAPMS President

Treasurer (954) 972-8126

President Board Members 2015 James Boggs

(352) 521-3538

Rose Bechard-Butman

(954) 382-9766

Norma Cassinari

(334) 741-9393

Andy Fuhrman

(954) 382-9766

Lyn Gettys, PhD

(954) 577-6331

Scott Jackson

(561) 402-0682

John Selby

(954) 612-9664

Michael Shaner

(813) 267-5650

Steven Weinsier

(954) 382-9766

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.

Cover Photo: Dan Niemi | Allstate Resource Management

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Credit: Stephen Montgomery | Allstate Resource Management

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Credit: Stephen Montgomery | Allstate Resource Management

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Credit: Stephen Montgomery | Allstate Resource Management

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Credit: Stephen Montgomery | Allstate Resource Management

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Limnology 101

Credit: John Cimbaro

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Mysterious “Blob� (Bryozoa) Dr. James A. Rice Professor and Fisheries and Pond Management Extension Specialist

Bryozoans are generally considered a sign of good water quality, and normally aren't a problem. Bryozoans are among the most abundant freshwater invertebrates that are found attached to submerged surfaces. Commonly known as "moss animals," these tiny colonial organisms live in aquatic environments where they feed on diatoms, green algae, bacteria, rotifers, protozoa, and even an occasional tiny crustacean or nematode. Like the corals, these sessile creatures were thought to be plants until the mid-1700s.

The majority of bryozoans are marine (several thousand species), but one class, the Phylactolaemata, is found exclusively in fresh water. Pectinatella magnifica, one species belonging to this class, is commonly found in freshwater lakes and rivers in North America. Most people call them "jelly blobs" or just plain "blobs" given their appearance. Each colony is a collection of genetically identical organisms (zooids) that exude a protective matrix, a gelatin-like substance made mostly of water, firm but slimy to the touch.

The surface appears divided into rosettes, each containing 12-18 zooids. Massive colonies may exceed two feet (60 centimeters) in diameter and contain upwards of two million zooids, although more typical sizes are one foot or less. Colonies form on submerged logs, twigs, and even wooden docks. Brought to the surface, jelly blobs exude a pungent aroma that may be linked to chemicals released by the organisms to inhibit fish predation or reduce competition for growing space.

Few other organisms are willing to grow next to the magnificent jelly blob.

Here are a couple sites with pictures and info on bryozoans: http://www.bio.umass.edu/biology/conn.river/bryozoa.html http://www.civgeo.rmit.edu.au/bryozoa/famsys.html#Phylactolaemata http://www.civgeo.rmit.edu.au/bryozoa/phylactolaemata/pectinatellidae/pectmag.jpg Credit: Dr. James A. Rice | NC State University

www.sfapms.org

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The Utilization of Chara in Lake Management Man’s increasing concern with the aquatic environment has resulted in a strong need for a new means of managing aquatic vegetation. One popular concept of management is to control undesirable plants with the use of environmentally safe, selective aquatic herbicides while encouraging the growth of desirable plants. If necessary, beneficial plants can be introduced.

Desirable aquatic plants are best described as those that tend to have the following characteristics: - They absorb large quantities of nutrients from the aquatic environment.

- They form good fish habitat.

- They are unobtrusive in their growth patterns.

- They are relatively simple to control.

Undesirable plants are those which tend to grow rampantly, dominate native plant life and are generally troublesome to the water user.

One of the best examples of a "good" plant is bottom growing Chara. It is a strong nutrient absorber, which tends to grow to a maximum height of eight inches providing excellent fish habitat. Chara thrives in all kinds of water. The plants are found both in shallow water and to depths of 20 feet, depending on water clarity. The plant can also thrive in ponds that are seasonally dry part of the year.

Water management programs involving biological controls (utilizing Chara) offer several advantages.

For instance, once established, Chara crowds out undesirable weeds such as hydrilla, resulting in a minimum of unwanted weed regrowth. Also, nutrient removal by Chara hinders growth of planktonic algae, improving water clarity. Chara aids in maintaining an environmental balance and provides excellent habitat for fish. Chara does not interfere with the recreational use of waterways. Its fragile stems do not snarl propellers or pose the threat of entanglement to swimmers. Finally, Chara is readily controlled by environmentally safe herbicides.

Credit: Rose Bechard-Butman / ISA Certified Arborist

www.sfapms.org

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Calendar of Upcoming Events SFAPMS, Board of Directors Meeting Thursday, November 12, 2015 www.sfapms.org

North American Lake Management Society 35th International Symposium November 17-20, 2015 www.nalms.org

SFAPMS General Meeting Thursday, February 25, 2016 www.sfapms.org

Broward County Water Matters Day March 12, 2016 rrduloph@broward.org

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www.sfapms.org

www.sfapms.org

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