Florida Integrated Science Center
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FISC Headquarters - Orlando |
Florida Integrated Science Center"The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) serves the Nation by providing reliable scientific information to describe and understand the earth; minimize loss of life and property from natural disasters; manage water, biological, energy, and mineral resources; and enhance and protect our quality of life." In addition to the Survey's mission, the Florida Integrated Science Center (FISC) has a special mission to provide USGS science to Florida, the Southeastern States, the U.S. Caribbean, and elsewhere in the world. We are also leaders in seeking new and innovative ways to meet the critical need for sound, objective scientific information that can be applied to issues of local to international concern. The USGS provides current ("real-time") stream stage and streamflow (556 sites), water-quality (145 sites), and ground-water levels for 206 sites in Florida. USGS Florida Science HighlightsHealthy Springs, Healthy Manatees
Using endangered species as models of survival may require quite a stretch of the imagination, but that's exactly how USGS biologists view certain populations of manatees. North Florida is dotted with warm artesian springs that attract manatees seeking refuge from winter's cooler temperatures. USGS scientists monitor manatee populations at some of these springs, in order to obtain annual estimates of survival and reproduction. Similar estimates obtained in other regions of the state indicate that manatees that overwinter at springs may fare better than those that winter in regions without springs.
At Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, USGS scientists and their partners have conducted manatee health assessments for the past 3 years, and plan to conduct assessments at other sites in the future. Links to hydrology, such as continuous, adequate flow of spring waters is of paramount importance to manatees, and water quality is also of concern. Ultimately, scientists hope to be able to provide information on how to keep springs healthy for manatee survival. New National Geographic series features USGS science in the Everglades
The program, called America's Wild Spaces, The Everglades, aired on November 27, 2008. A National Geographic film crew working on a program called "Secret Everglades", coordinated site visits to several USGS data collection platforms within Everglades National Park on January 25, 2008. The crew filmed USGS scientists Gordon Anderson and Karen Balentine (contracted through Jacobs Technology, Inc.) as they conducted field measurements and assisted Everglades National Park staff.
Silent Streams?
The 700 fishes now listed represent a staggering 92 percent increase over the 364 listed as "imperiled" in the previous Of Current InterestFlorida Natural History Lecture Series
The U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY and the SPIRIT OF THE SUWANNEE MUSIC PARK in Live Oak have teamed up to bring the latest scientific news on Florida Wildlife and our unique natural environment directly to the public. Once a month a noted research scientist will present a one-hour illustrated talk on topics ranging from jumping sturgeons to deep-reef fishes. Talks will be interactive - any and all questions are welcome. Increase your understanding of the natural world of Florida, and learn what you can do to help preserve it. The FLORIDA NATURAL HISTORY LECTURE SERIES was kicked off in October 2008 and will continue through 2009. This month's lecture will feature Dr. Bob Bonde of the U.S. Geological Survey. His talk is entitled: "The Future of the Florida Manatee - Mermaids in Peril". See accompanying flyer. USGS DISCOVRE EXPEDITION
Diversity, Systematics, and Connectivity of Vulnerable Reef EcosystemsThe 4-year multidisciplinary research program will focus on understanding the physical oceanography, biology, ecology, genetic connectivity, and trophodynamics of deep coral environments in the Gulf of Mexico (300-1000 m depths), both within natural and artificial (shipwreck) sites.
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2008 USGS Florida Integrated Science Center's Open HouseSt. Petersburg, Florida "No Child Left Inside"Learn more: http://coastal.er.usgs.gov/openhouse/ Recent Publications
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Page Last Modified: Monday, 12-Jan-2009 10:07:18 EST
Nearly 40 percent of fish species in North American streams, rivers and lakes are now in jeopardy, according to the most detailed evaluation of the conservation status of freshwater fish in the last 20 years.![holiday darter [Etheostoma brevironstrum (Amicalola Creek population)] Photo by Noel Burkhead, USGS](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090116144749im_/http://fisc.er.usgs.gov/images/thumbnails/etheostoma_brevirostrum_hol.jpg)
1989 study published by the American Fisheries Society. Researchers classified each of the 700 fishes listed as either vulnerable (230), threatened (190), or endangered (280). In addition, 61 fishes are presumed extinct.
