What is Florida LAKEWATCH?

   Florida LAKEWATCH is a volunteer citizen lake monitoring program that facilitates "hands-on" citizen participation in the management of Florida lakes, rivers and coastal sites through monthly monitoring activities.

   Coordinated through the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences/SFRC Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, the program has been in existence since 1986. In 1991, the Florida Legislature recognized the importance of the program and established Florida LAKEWATCH in the state statutes (Florida Statute 1004.49.). LAKEWATCH is now one of the largest lake monitoring programs in the nation with over 1800 trained citizens monitoring 600+ lakes, rivers and coastal sites in more than 40 counties. Volunteers take samples to collection sites located in 38 counties.

    Florida LAKEWATCH publishes a newsletter several times each year (newsletter) and a variety of aquatic-related informational circulars (circulars) in pdf format which can be downloaded. Bathymetric maps have been produced of many of the lakes and can be downloaded for your use (maps). Contact us if you would like to be a volunteer citizen lake monitor (volunteers).

Why Do We Have Florida LAKEWATCH?

How Does Florida LAKEWATCH WORK?

For more information contact:

Florida LAKEWATCH
Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
(UF/IFAS School of Forest Resources and Conservation)

7922 NW 71st Street
Gainesville, FL 32653-3071
Toll-free Message Line : 1-800-LAKEWATCH (525-3928)
Phone: 352/392-4817  Fax: 352/392-4902
E-Mail: fl-lakewatch@ufl.edu

Quick Links

Bathymetric Maps | 2005 Data Report | Aquatic Bird Survey |Florida LAKEWATCH Team | Newsletters | Circulars and Brochures | Driving Directions | Fishing For Success | Web Site Map |
Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences Home Page