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Help Wanted: Spot Invasive Eels Devouring Florida Ecosystems
8 Apr
Summary
- University of Florida researchers seek public help spotting invasive Asian swamp eels.
- Eels can survive in harsh conditions due to air-breathing and burrowing abilities.
- Sightings of eel-like fish should be reported via phone, website, or app.
University of Florida researchers are enlisting the help of South Florida residents to locate and identify a growing population of Asian swamp eels. These non-native fish, originating from East and Southeast Asia, were first documented in the Florida Everglades in 2007. Their ability to breathe air and thrive in oxygen-deprived waters allows them to survive and spread throughout South Florida's aquatic environments.
Wildlife ecology professor Frank Mazzotti highlighted concerns that these invasive eels may be linked to significant drops in native crayfish and amphibian numbers. The eels' resilience is further enhanced by their capacity to burrow into mud, enabling them to endure both wet and dry seasons. Researchers are asking anyone who encounters an eel-like fish in local canals, wetlands, or marshes to document the sighting with a photograph.
Information can be reported by calling 1-888-IVEGOT1, visiting the website www.IVEGOT1.org, or utilizing the IVEGOT1 mobile application. This collaborative effort aims to better understand and manage the impact of this invasive species on Florida's delicate ecosystem.
