Ecology is the study of relationships living things have to each other and their environment. It is necessary to have an understanding of basic aquatic ecology to manage a pond properly. If your goal is fish farming (aquaculture) and not recreational fishing, please contact the FWC's Bass Conservation Center or the Florida Department of Agricultural Services (FDACS), Division of Aquaculture and seek the advice of an aquaculture biologist. The FWC has biologists at each of it's five regional offices to provide technical assistance. Whether you are constructing a new pond or improving an existing one, if you need further assistance after reading this publication and referring to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Web site ( ), feel free to consult a FWC fish or wildlife biologist. A reference section is located on pages 25-26 to provide additional sources of information on these subjects. It covers such topics as water quality, vegetation and fish population management. This booklet was prepared to help pond owners develop a sound program for managing a recreational waterbody including fishing, waterfowling and wildlife viewing. Identifying conflicting uses must be a primary concern when developing a fish and wildlife management program. Some of these uses can be incompatible with fish and wildlife pond management.

Often, ponds are constructed or managed for a variety of uses such as swimming, residential development, drainage, irrigation, livestock watering and mining. Ponds can be managed intensively for high fish production while attracting wading birds, waterfowl and other wildlife species. Largemouth bass, bream ( bluegill and redear sunfish) and channel catfish are raised in Florida fish ponds.

The state has many small natural and manmade ponds that, if managed properly, can provide excellent fishing, waterfowl hunting and bird watching. Florida Youth Conservation Centers Networkįishing is one of the most popular recreational activities in Florida.Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail.Report injured, orphaned or dead manatees.Report fish kills, wildlife emergencies, sightings, etc.

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