Recent observations of mortality in alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) and failed reproduction in alligators and sport fish in lakes of central Florida have heightened concerns about the effects of intense agricultural activity and urbanization on adjacent wetland ecosystems. To address these concerns, we have initiated the coordination of multi-disciplinary research conducted by State, Federal and University researchers on a series of central Florida lakes. Preliminary investigations carried out by the FL. Game and Fish Commission, St. John Water Management District and University of Florida indicate four broad areas of interest: contaminants (possibly acting as endocrine disruptors) toxic algal blooms, disease and nutritional stress. The causal linkage among these events and observed wildlife effects is not yet clear, but probably involves ecological interactions requiring a multi disciplinary approach.

To address these issues, five state and federal agencies and a number of University researchers propose to coordinate their research activities. These problems will be addressed primarily on Lake Griffin where the most recent indications of environmental stress are reported, with supporting and comparative studies on lakes thought to be similarly impacted and on little disturbed reference lakes. We are seeking funding for a series of research projects to address possible causes of the observed wildlife mortality and reproductive failure. We have established a a project coordinator who will assist the participating agencies in identifying research priorities, sharing available information, cooperating in sample collection and analysis and pooling expertise to interpret results. A workshop will be held annually to facilitate research design and results interpretation. The research effort will be coordinated with local municipalities and agencies. Because of the strong public interest in this issue, management of information flow to the public via the press and media is planned.