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Section 2 Existing Conditions/Affected Environment

EAA Storage Reservoirs Revised Draft PIR and EIS February 2006

2-23

The Everglades fish community is composed of a variety of forage fish important

in the diet of many wading birds, sport fish, native species, and exotics

introduced partly through aquacultural practices and the aquarium trade.

Forage species include the Florida flagfish, bluefin killifish, least killifish,

shiners, mosquito fish, and sailfin molly.

Generally, Everglades sportfish are harvested from the borrow canals that

surround the marsh. As water levels in the canal and marsh rise, fish

populations disperse into the interior marsh and reproduce with minimum

competition and predation. As water levels recede, fish concentrate into the

deeper waters of the surrounding canals, where they become available as prey

for wildlife and fishermen. In some instances, the canal fishery has experienced

major fish kills due to overcrowding and oxygen depletion. The WCAs provide a

valuable sport fishery for South Florida. Many of the canals, notably along U.S.

41, I-75, and in the L-35B and L-67A, provide valuable recreational fishing for

largemouth bass, sunfish, oscar, gar, bowfin, catfish and other species.

Besides supporting a valuable recreational fishery for the region, WCA fish

communities provide a major food source for Everglade wading birds, alligators,

and other carnivorous reptiles and mammals. Fish community structure and

abundance is highly dependent on water levels. Consequently, fishing success

by humans or wildlife is also dependent on water levels (Dineen, 1974). For a

more complete listing of common Everglades fishes, reference Gunderson and

Loftus (1993).

Several game and non-game wildlife species occur within the WCA system

including: white-tailed deer, common snipe, and marsh rabbit. Blue-winged teal,

mottled ducks, and other game waterfowl are found in the sloughs of the

northeast corner. Feral hogs may also be present in drier areas or on tree

islands.

2.10.5 Canals

Approximately 23 miles along the North New River, 7 miles along the Bolles,

and 8.5 miles along the Cross Canal are proposed for expansion as part of the

EAA Reservoir project. The expansion zones are located within the EAA and are

expected to be similar. Fish species common to these canals include largemouth

bass, black crappie, redear sunfish, brown bullhead, least killfish, bluegill, and

mosquitofish.

2.11 THREATENED AND ENDANGERED SPECIES

Per the agreement between the USACE and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

(USFWS) and National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA), the Draft PIR/EIS

also serves as the Biological Assessment for the purpose of Section 7 consultation

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