Summary

Description

This document outlines rehabilitation strategies for fisheries and lake rehabilitation on St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge following hurricane damage. Following Hurricane Elena, September 1, 1985, St. Vincent experienced a devastating fish kill. The kill, discovered Friday, September 13, affected Lakes 14 and Oyster Pond. Dying fish were observed through September 14. The kill was later determined to be the result of a reduction in dissolved oxygen DO. Rehabilitation procedures will emphasize drawdowns augmented by mechanical and chemical vegetation control and burning. Lakes 13 and Oyster Pond will be drained MarchJune, 1986. Pumping will be employed to lower and maintain water levels 34 feet below normal. Lake 4 will not be lowered in 1986 to the detriment of Lake 5. Lake 5 will be used as a source for hatchery brood stock, especially brood stock for handpainted bream. Therefore, the Lake 4 drawdown will have to be limited to a partial lowering because the extent to which Lake 4 manipulations can progress before adversely impacting Lake 5 are unknown.