Silver River Waters

The cooler temperatures brought in small herds of manatees to the warm waters of the Silver River. Staff, volunteers and visitors all enjoy seeing these friendly, curious giants! The cooler temperatures also pushed the invasive tilapia to the headsprings. Staff focused on the ones in the emergent vegetation this week and any that were showing early signs of spawning, which include pairing up, turning white, and clearing vegetation for beds. Since January, 575 tilapia have been removed from the Silver River headsprings. This would not be possible without the dedication of Oklawaha River Aquatic Preserve and Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve staff, FWC Freshwater Fisheries biologists and staff and volunteers at Silver Springs State Park. Thank you, everyone! The native fish thank you all too. We are excited to see how these intensive efforts will positively impact the Silver River in years to come, just like the successful vermiculated sailfin catfish removal program.