What happened to the fish?
To the editor:
I live on the canal north of the county boat launch, Lavendar Landing, which the county purchased some three or more years ago. I live on the water on Bowline Street, this location is near the north end of the canal near Charlotte Harbor. Very recently the canal has become devoid of fish of any species whatever.
I am well aware that the hard freeze of two years ago killed thousands of fish of all species. The canal was filled with dead fish of all kinds, even bullhead catfish died.
Recently the fish were making a return. I could watch large schools of small fish under my light on my dock. Glassminnows, small pinfish and mangrove snappers which, together with a few specs and snook, were feeding on these small fish. Suddenly everything vanished, even the catfish were gone. I know this to be true as I, being 87 years of age, spend a great deal of time fishing with live shrimp from a chair on my dock. It is impossible to catch even a bullhead catfish. In past years, my grandchildren caught everything right here from the same dock.
I spent over three hours this afternoon trying to arouse someones interest. First I called FL Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission who referred me to the Fisheries Department who referred me to Environmental Protection Agency who’s phone is not taking calls. No one seems to give a damn!
Does the new county launch have anything to contribute to this problem. I think not, although boat traffic has dramatically increased. In past years, when fishermen returned from a days fishing and emptied their bait wells, the water would literally explode with Jack Cravells. My grandchildren had a wonderful time catching them. This year not a sing Jack have I seen.
I doubt if increased boating has much to do with this problem, most depart at idle speed to avoid manatees which we see daily in and out of the canal, the only sign of life. We never even see a mullet jump now.
Please help me solve this horrible situation.
Dr. Johnny W. Turner, M.D. (retired)
Bokeelia