Elizabeth Moreau

0000-0003-3363-5670

Trophic State: A Useful Scale for Classifying Lakes Based on Biological Productivity

Elizabeth Duermit Moreau

Lakes are diverse and come in all shapes and sizes. The Trophic State Classification System allows people to group waterbodies into one of four categories, called “trophic states,” based on their level of biological productivity. Knowing what these terms mean can help you understand how your waterbody compares to others, and what changes in its water quality over time could mean. This publication explains how water chemistry is used to determine a waterbody’s trophic state; what criteria are used to define the four trophic states; which trophic state category your waterbody fits into; and how the Trophic State Classification System can be useful.

A Beginner's Guide to Water Management—The ABCs

Florida LAKEWATCH

This document is the first in a series of Information Circulars developed by the LAKEWATCH Program. It is an introduction to the basic terminology and concepts used in the water management arena. First published Aug. 2000

A Beginner's Guide to Water Management—Common Aquatic Birds Using Florida Lakes

Mark V. Hoyer

A Beginners Guide to Water Management—Fish Kills

Florida LAKEWATCH

A Beginner's Guide to Water Management—Muck: Causes and Corrective Actions

Mark V. Hoyer, Daniel E. Canfield Jr., and Mark Brenner

A Beginner's Guide to Water Management—Fish Communities and Trophic State in Florida Lakes

Florida LAKEWATCH

A Beginner's Guide to Water Management—Nutrients

Florida LAKEWATCH

Nutrients are substances required by all organisms for growth, and they are found in every aquatic system. Nutrients are also the object of much discussion by lake management professionals and the general public who are concerned about the influence nutrients sometimes have on the growth of algae and/or aquatic plants in lakes. Written for the lay public, this information circular is an ideal reference booklet for students and/or professionals interested in water management. First published Aug. 2000.

A Beginner's Guide to Water Management—Aquatic Plants in Florida Lakes

Florida LAKEWATCH

This circular represents a summary of current knowledge on aquatic plants and aquatic plant management strategies, highlighting the Florida situation. The major focus of this circular is the management of aquatic plants as opposed to dealing with nutrients, algae, or water clarity. Included are sections on 1) Aquatic Plant Biology, 2) Aquatic Plant Management Problems, and 3) Aquatic Plant Management Techniques.