Tribe, Service continue to restore habitat where species, culture thrive
On November 2-3, the Service’s Southeast Region Fisheries and Aquatic Conservation staff from Peninsular Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office (FWCO) and Welaka National Fish Hatchery (NFH), in cooperation with staff and American Conservation Experience interns from the Arthur R. Marshall (A.R.M.) Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), collected and relocated 60 Florida gar and 15 bowfin from the Loxahatchee NWR to the Old Tamiami Canal on the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida Reserve Area.
These species are culturally significant and are part of the traditional diet of the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida. Teachers and students of the Miccosukee Tribe School assisted with the stocking of the fish in their canal, which is a short walk from the school grounds. This effort supports Tribal Trust responsibilities. The continued restoration of the Old Tamiami Canal improves the habitat and provides opportunities for tribal members to catch fish species of traditional and cultural significance. The Peninsular Florida FWCO continues to support habitat restoration efforts and provide technical assistance on Tribal lands.
