Blue Spring State Park along with most other state parks has to deal with invasive species caused both naturally and from the introduction by people. Some of the invasive vegetation at the park consists of air potatoes, ceasar weed, exotic orange trees, and Japanese plum trees. People visiting the park can contribute in aiding invasive species without even realizing it. For example tourists visiting the park who bring oranges or plums to snack on while exploring throw their fruit once finished into the parks forests. Once thrown into the forests the fruit’s seeds can germinate and the spread of an invasive species can occur. Not only can people aid in the spread of invasive vegetation but invasive wildlife as well. As a result of people releasing their aquarium fish into rivers that lead to the spring species such as Oscar and Koi find their way into the spring and disrupt the ecosystem.
As a result of the invasive species into the park ecosystem the park rangers have to perform removal techniques to eradicate the invasive species. The two most common ways Blue Springs state park removes invasive vegetation is by spraying or hand removal. It is important to control the invasive species so they do not disrupt or take over the natural species.
The Armored Catfish
The armored catfish, also called the vermiculated sailfin catfish, is an invasive species throughout the Saint John’s Waterway. It is a fairly large fish, reaching a length of 17 inches and has a hardened exterior. It is endemic to South America, and was originally reported in 1999 in Florida, presumably introduced through the aquarium trade. This resilient species has since multiplied to range in vast numbers and concentrations from the Everglades to Jacksonville via the St. John’s waterway. This is due in large part to its lack of any significant predators in the state. As such, this exponential growth has led to local ecological conflict and threatens further such problems environmentally and economically.
A particular case study, that of Blue Spring State Park in Orange City, Florida, is of great interest to the spring’s fauna (especially endanger or threatened species) and economic potential. Research teams from both the State of Florida and Stetson University have combined efforts in researching the negative effects of these fish and means by which to remove them.
The primary goal of Stetson University’s research is determining exactly how detrimental these catfish are to the health of the endangered West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris). Human factors such as power plant warm water runoff and boating activity have affected these creatures for years. Since these catfish have been introduced, an entirely new behavior has arisen in the large number of manatees that seek refuge in Blue Spring during the winter months. This behavior, which involves the manatees doing a complete 360 degree roll to deter the catfish that cling to them, is seen as detrimental to the physiological well-being of the aquatic mammals. This defensive development stresses the manatees as well as preventing them from continuing their normal activities while simultaneously expending additional energy on a seemingly pointless struggle. The research is ongoing.
The West Indian manatees are far from the only native affected by Ptergoplichthys disjunctivus. Another key species associated with the St. John’s waterway and Blue Spring, the large-mouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) population, among other bass species, is also being harmed. The introduction of the algae-eating armored catfish has began to decimate these bass, who cover their egg beds with clumps of algae to protect them from the predatory natives and elements. The armored catfish views these clumps of algae as a prepared salad and subsequently promptly eat them, killing the eggs and future bass generations in effect. This is decimating the St. Johns’ and Blue Spring bass population, which can potentially lead to the uncontrolled increase of their prey.
It is thusly apparent that this pesky piscatorial problem has severely damaging ecological effects. What is arguably just as troubling are the economic implications associated with this nonnative species. The two most effected species, the manatee and the large-mouth bass, also happen to be two of the most profitable keystones in both the local and state economy.
While this dilemma is getting worse as you read this page, the aforementioned groups are researching means to halt the destruction of the Armored Catfish, not to mention the prevention of future such fiascoes due to irresponsible citizens and lax laws.
Stetson University armored catfish research
