After Florida drained a massive wetland, biologists uncovered something far more disturbing than anyone expected. The project, meant to reshape the landscape, exposed hidden dangers beneath the surface.
A recent water drawdown at Stormwater Treatment Area 1 West in South Florida exposed a larger than expected population of invasive armored catfish, signaling that current control efforts are falling short. The event occurred when the area was deliberately drained for maintenance, leaving fish concentrated in shallow pools where biologists could survey them.The Florida Everglades functions as a slo…