In 1996, Lake Kissimmee underwent an extreme drawdown and muck removal to improve fish habitat. Total cost of the restoration was in excess of five million dollars. The purpose of this project is to evaluate restored versus unrestored areas of the lake for sport fish production. We determine fish density and biomass estimates and measure habitat attributes (e.g., dissolved oxygen, temperature, depth, plant biomass) in restored and unrestored areas of the lake. Major habitat types in the littoral areas of the lake will be quantified using GIS (Geographical Information Systems). Total impact of the habitat restoration on the fish populations of Lake Kissimmee will be estimated
by extrapolating fish abundances in each major habitat type to the entire lake area. This project, funded by the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission, began in May 1998 and will continue until May 2000.Below, shoreline block nets are being used to sample littoral fish communities in Lake Kissimmee, FL. Quadrats are used to estimate plant biomass within each sampling area.
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