Hurricane Storm Surge: A Surprising Benefit for Tarpon and Snook
Written by : Trent Jones
While hurricanes and their associated storm surges are known for their destructive power on land, recent studies reveal a silver lining for certain fish species like Tarpon and snook, especially their juvenile stages, may actually benefit from these storm surges.
Research from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust (BTT) has shown that young tarpon and snook take advantage of storm surges to reach remote, semi-landlocked ponds. These ponds offer protection from larger predators like sharks and adult snook, allowing these juveniles to grow in a safer environment. Due to their ability to survive in low-oxygen waters, they are well-equipped to flourish until the next storm surge, when they can move to new habitats.
However, this phenomenon faces some serious challenges from ongoing urban development in Florida, which threatens to disrupt the habitat for juvenile fish. Researchers like JoEllen Wilson of BTT are working on strategies to redesign canal systems to aid these fish in their survival. The question remains whether growth and habitat preservation can coexist, allowing Florida’s iconic gamefish species to continue thriving despite the pressures of urbanization.
For more insights, check out this article 👉 www.flyfisherman.com
Photot from: www.flyfisherman.com
