Florida's Snook at Risk as Temps Fall Below 47.5°F

Rahul Somvanshi

1. The common snook, a warm-water fish, is endangered by Florida's frigid climate.

Photo Source: Steven le Roux (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

1. Snook may become more susceptible to illness or perhaps die as a result of cold stress.

Photo Source: FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Call 800-636-0511 to report dead or dying fishes in Florida.

Photo Source:  FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Unlike southern snook, northern Gulf snook can withstand temperatures as low as 49°F to 58°F.

Photo Source: FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

According to lab testing, southern snook suffer at greater temperatures, while northern snook perish at about 47.5°F.

Photo Source:  FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Over time, snook can adjust to colder climates by migrating northward when the waters warm.

Photo Source: Matthew Hoelscher (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Risks during cold snaps increase because snook find it more difficult to adjust to sudden temperature decreases.

Photo Source: Florida Sea Grant (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

This study aids in forecasting how cold fronts would affect snook populations in various geographical areas.

Photo Source:  FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

The results are used by wildlife managers for thermal refugia management, conservation, and climate modeling.

Photo Source: FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

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