Ecosystem Analysis of the Big Cypress Swamp and estuaries
Carter MR, Carter LR, Cavinder TR, Dugger KR, Hicks DB, Revells HL, Schmidt TW. 1973. Ecosystem Analysis of the Big Cypress Swamp and estuaries. Environmental Protection Agency, Region IV. Miami, Florida. PB-233 070
The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) conducted a two year study to obtain necessary biological and hydrological informtion for objective planning of wise use of south Florida's land, water, wildlife and fisheries resources. Field investigations during 1971-1972 intensively examined the details of biotic community interactions with hydrologic conditions of disturbed and relatively unaffected regions of the Big Cypress Swamp and contiguous tidal wetlands and estuaries. Process studies and experimental manipulation models were formulated for the various components of the ecosystem. Study results demonstrate the total dependence of the South Florida ecosystem on the hydroperiod. Canal drainage of upland wetlands which include cypress swamps and wet-prairies effected a 10 fold decrease in primary productivity. Drainage also effected a thinning of the forest canopy and induced a reduction in the rate of forest litter decomposition resulting in a buildup of litter as increased fuel sources for deconstructive wildfires. Canal drainage of uplands also effected the estuaries resulting in changes in the benthic plant communities, increased nutrients, increased metals in sediments, and a change in the abundance and diversity of fishes. For the first time, tidal streams were proven to be a major nursery area for young snook.
- Type
- Book
- Authors
- Carter, Michael; Carter, Lawrence; Cavinder, Thomas; Dugger, Kenneth; Hicks, Delbert; Revells, H.; Schmidt, Thomas
- Date of Issue
- 1973-06
- Publisher
- Environmental Protection Agency, Region IV
- Units
- BICY , SFCN
- Keywords
- Big Cypress, Climatology, detritus, Ecosystem, Evapotranspiration, fahkahatchee strand, Fish, Hydrology, Physiography, primary productions, Sedimentation, Waste, Water Chemistry