MosquitoFish introduction controversy

Email to CMCD

From: Brian Beckner

To: Info; support@lcmcd.org

Subject: MosquitoFish introduction controversy

Date: Tuesday, June 10, 2025 7:36:01 PM

Hi there. Recently, I met one of your team members and learned all about the MosquitoFish capturing process then for distribution. This to me was absolutely fascinating that a natural way of reducing the Mosquito’s would be from a fish. I would enjoy spreading this word

further as I did to my own development, but received this controversial response. Can you please help to clarify if it is truly a beneficial fish to introduce to a lake system that we currently do not or have not introduced here in Estero, westside of US41? Will we have any negative impacts? Does this take a permit? If we are on a lake system that directly feeds into a waterway that spills into the Estero River to the Gulf if these fish got downstream further

would it be negatively impactful?

Here is the response of concern from a resident. Please help me to understand this comment from the resident before we commit to further actions.

‘Mosquitofish are considered invasive due to their aggressive behavior and detrimental impact on native ecosystems. Although they are occasionally utilized for mosquito control,

they can displace and harm native fish species, compete for food resources, and even prey on the juvenile stages of other fish and amphibians. Furthermore, they can consume zooplankton, which graze on algae, potentially leading to algal blooms. It is crucial for

everyone to recognize that the introduction of any novel species into our lakes will have both adverse and potentially beneficial consequences. Given their propensity to enter waterways, it is imperative to restrict their introduction from our system. Constructing a dam across the outlet to the creek would be a prudent measure. The fact that they cannot be contained within the Fountain Lakes property alone serves as a compelling reason against their introduction to our system. It is essential to ascertain

whether the State of Florida has granted approval for their entry into waterways that are not associated with our development’

Greatly appreciate your time!

support@lcmcd.org

Brian E. Beckner NativeBirdBoxes@gmail.com 239-825-1679