Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Home
 My FWRI
Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission HomeFish and Wildlife Research InstituteMyFlorida.com
Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission HomeHomeAbout FWRIContactFAQsLocationsSearchSite Map

Inside FWRI

Research:
Related Articles
border= Research Spotlight: Evaluating Florida's Red Drum Population
border= Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute
border= The FWC Fish Kill Hotline—Monitoring Florida's Fish Kills
border= Collaborative Research Examines Interactions Between Snook and Largemouth Bass
border= Old Tampa Bay Algal Blooms and Fish Kills, July-August 2008
More Related Articles...



     
Explore: 


  Home : Features : Stock Enhancement : Projects and Research
Features  Printer-Friendly Version

Cataracts Observed In Red Drum

Stock Enhancement Research Facility (SERF) observed cataracts in hatchery-raised redfish in 2005

Researchers at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Stock Enhancement Research Facility (SERF) observed cataracts in hatchery-raised redfish in 2005. Cataracts are a general condition of the eye that results in partial or complete opacity of the lens or its capsule.*

Upon detecting these cataracts, biologists conducted a small-scale survey in Tampa Bay, Charlotte Harbor and the St. Lucie waterway to determine whether cataracts could be observed in wild fish. Though cataract development occurs naturally, the rate of occurrence at SERF was higher than in wild fish.

There are many kinds of cataracts that can be caused by a number of factors, including parasites, mechanical damage, and changes in temperature, nutrition, contaminants and salinity. Due to the wide variety of factors that could play a role in cataract development, researchers may be unable to isolate a cause. FWC biologists continue to investigate cataracts in red fish.

*Slatter, D.  1990.  Fundamentals of Veterinary Ophthamology, 2nd ed.  WB Saunders Company.  Philadelphia, PA.  p. 116.







Home : Contact : Site Map : Accessibility Statement : Careers : Customize : EEO/AA/ADA
Event Calendar : Locations : Press Releases : Privacy Statement : Site Search : Subscribe

Quicklinks
 Headquarters
Sport Fish Restoration InformationFish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Home Wildlife Foundation of Florida Web Site Wildlife Alert Information
 Fish and Wildlife Research Institute
100 Eighth Avenue SE
St. Petersburg, Florida 33701-5020
PH: 727-896-8626

Mission Statement
Through effective research and technical knowledge, we provide timely information and guidance
to protect, conserve, and manage Florida's fish and wildlife resources.

Advertising Statement and FWC Web Site Disclaimer

DG.lts
Developed & Hosted by DataGlyphics, Inc.