Lake Trafford, in northern Collier County (Figs.1&2), occupies a broad, shallow depression on the southern end of the Florida Platform that formed thousands of years ago during a Pleistocene high sea level stand. The lake has no distinct outlets at normal water levels and only a few small point source inlets. As such the lake is susceptible to ecological problems associated with accumulation of nutrients and organic detritus in the lake; where there is no flushing action to export these materials.
On 10 April, 1996, there was massive fish kill in Lake Trafford, during which an estimated 50,000 large fish were killed (Fig. 3&4), representing a large portion of the harvestable game fish population of the lake. This fish kill was a lake-wide event and represents the most significant event in a history of smaller fish kills in Lake Trafford. Along with the many fish kill events, there appears to have been a decline in some gamefish populations (Fig.5) and corresponding increases in populations of some "rough fish" species (Fig.6), since the 1969 introduction of Hydrilla to the lake.
The magnitude of the April, 1996 fish kill serves
to highlight; the problematic natural physical and biological conditions
and processes associated with Lake Trafford; its regional ecosystem impact
as a water source for the Corkscrew Swamp (Fig.7);
its importance as a ground water recharge area; and its role as habitat
for migratory and resident bird populations. Lake Trafford
is an integral part of the regional ecosystem for wide-ranging species
such as the panther and the black bear, as well as an important economic
resource to the region. The Florida Game and Freshwater Fish Commission
has estimated the economic impact to the local community of recreational
fishing effort for bass, crappie, and other pan fish. The recreational
fishing industry and ecotourism are seen by the local community as an important
source of income to offset losses due to declining agriculture income related
to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
