A large part of this decline can be attributed to environmental stress. Anyone interested in fishing Caloosahatchee River or waters within the wider area around Iona should consult with local resources before heading out to fish. , Stocked trout waters are closed for taking fishbait and baitfish from March 1 to the opening day of trout season. Some locations are 45-60 minutes cruise time (no wake). Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Those lakes "It's also too salty for the (blue-green algae). WebFrom the mouth of the river to the W.P. The Caloosahatchee River is one of the most popular rivers in Florida. Dont release live bait into waters or spread exotic plants and fish. Kayak rentals-$10 per hour, $30 per day. About a third of all the canals in Cape Coral are considered "fresh water" and do not have access to salt/open water (the Gulf of Mexico, river or inter-coastal water way). When arriving at the marina have fenders and dock lines ready: bow, stern and spring lines. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". The river has urban development, which added several canal systems; these are great locations for resident fish and great places for the big river bass to spawn. o Eat up to 12 ounces a week of a variety of . Friends said Langdale, from Moore Haven, in south Florida, was swimming in the Caloosahatchee River when the alligator struck. This runoff is further degrading the watershed. However, the only unprovoked shark attack thats ever happened in the Caloosahatchee was in 1983 from a hammerhead shark. It might have been a once in a lifetime catch, but anglers along the Caloosahatchee River said the fishing is better than its been in years with the unusually "The upstream sites are not used to that high salinity," Bartleson said. Scenic McGregor Boulevard, flanked with the royal palms Edison planted, carries motorists along the citys most prestigious riverfront neighborhoods.
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This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Unlimited access to the best fishing spot finder in the game. Bioluminescence Florida When Can You View This Amazing Wonder? The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Do alligators live in canals in Cape Coral Florida? What type of species of fish are found in the East river Florida? The study will be useful for developing conservation plans for the river. Excess fresh water upset the balance of fresh and salt water on which an
Tip:Check out the picnic pavilions on stilts with family and friends. It broadens as it nears the ocean, passing Fort Myers and Cape Coral. Biologists have identified areas in northern Florida and neighboring states large enough to support other populations. recently, Roger Byrd ran upstream to drop his crab traps between the, Some people who've lived and worked on the. They often can be seen in their pods with a baby as the center of attention. Cassani said the amount of dissolved organic material in the water is reducing light transmission, which kills off marine plants. Residents and visitors are advised to take the following precautions: Do not drink, swim, wade, use personal watercraft, water ski or boat in waters where there is a visible bloom. All saltwater canals lead to the Gulf, but getting to the river is key. The bull shark is one of the famous game fish that one can catch in the Caloosahatchee River. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. The Franklin Locks, which are close by, offer recreational opportunities, including a bathing area, boat launch, and picnic areas on the south side and a campground in the north park. WebIs the Caloosahatchee River salt or freshwater? Michael Smith, who has been fishing the river for decades, said the success comes from a combination of good weather and higher salt content. The most popular tourist destination in Fort Myers nowadays is Edison & Ford Winter Estates. Home > Florida > Lakes > Caloosahatchee River. Odd as it sounds, yes, I saw both Caloosahatchees. Before humans intervened, the river was shallow and meandering, overhung with live oaks and wild grapes. Edibility: Considered one of the best-eating freshwater fish. The authors of the study concluded that the solution to providing relief to the estuaries is enormous It enters the Gulf of Mexico 10 mi (16 km) southwest of Fort Myers in San Carlos Bay, protected by Sanibel Island. and salinity is up: At the lock, salinity is 14 parts per thousand. In fact, almost all lakes and rivers contain some form of tannic water. Privacy Notice: We use cookies on our website to enhance your experience. Offshore fishing is very popular in this area. ", While the salty river seems to be an improvement over the
say the change is merely a shift to high salinity following a long period
all the way up to Fort Myers, and redfish, snook, spotted sea trout, whiting, silver trout, mangrove
Remember the Cobia caught in a Cape Coral canal earlier this week? Programs offered include kayaking, kids fishing, campfire programs, and guided walks. Continuous travel from the Caloosahatchee to the Okeechobee Waterway system is possible because to the Caloosahatchee Canal, which runs for five miles (8 km) between Lake Hicpochee and Lake Okeechobee. This increased freshwater flow can affect the salt levels in the estuary and lead to detrimental environmental impacts. estuary depends. The bloom was strong enough to warrant a state of emergency. But when you add in the creeks and feeder rivers, another 52 miles exist for kayakers and canoeists to explore. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. And then a lot of it roared back, along with fresh water runs into the system; during the dry season, salinity increases. Are there dolphins in the Caloosahatchee River? Nonetheless, the Caloosahatchee River still houses many fish species, and this is great news for anglers looking to catch some game! Make Short Casts. Water from the river travels past LaBelle in a west-southwest direction until it reaches an estuary.
The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. The freshwater coming down, its always gonna happen, thats how it goes, but them not dumping and the water staying clean has really allowed all the water to flow and for the fishing to be as good as it is, saidJesse Minoski, iFish Charters. This river delivers the life blood and nutrients of inland Florida, discharging the great Lake Okeechobee. The Caloosahatchee River averages approximately 14 feet. The local press refers to the polluted lake discharge as freshwater. It is neither helpful nor productive.
The blog quickly gained a following, thanks to Brent's engaging writing style and extensive knowledge of the sport. To the editor: The Army Corp of Engineers has been sending polluted waters down the Caloosahatchee River from the polluted Lake Okeechobee.
One of the largest bull sharks was recently involved in a fatal shark attack in the Tampa Bay area. High salinity in the river might be a problem for the many organisms
The river is full of freshwater during the summer rainy season, so dolphins can become exposed to it and suffer health problems. 
But another path through the parks subtropical woods -- where you may spot a great horned owl on the wing or a whitetail doe and fawn -- leads you to a fishing pier overlooking a shady oxbow what remains of the old, sinuous river. Anglers who are familiar with Caloosahatchee River and want to make a suggestion to the information provided are asked to use the suggest changes button below on this page. water from the sea mixes with fresh water from the land. ", 'You still can't eat them': Walton board jokes about tortoise protections. Salinity rises upstream when there is little rainfall in the area, which may have a negative impact on freshwater creatures. In either case, it's all about rainfall and salinity. "A lot of the research is still being done," said Eric Oglesby, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Ruskin. Location: Glassboro NJ. to record levels, prompting
While shark attacks are rare in the Caloosahatchee River, shark attacks have been reported in the area. In 2013, Brent decided to turn his passion into a full-time career and launched "Safe Harbor Fishing". In fact, you might see 8 to 10 bull sharks! Watch manatee feed east of Franklin Lock and Dam. Copyright document.write(new Date().getFullYear())2021 VISIT FLORIDA. "The river's not like anything I've ever seen. The rivers fluctuating salinity level has drawbacks. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Tip:A boardwalk offers sightings of marshes and wildlife such as the occasional gator. This type of weather phenomena involves water slowly retreating from the landscape, washing nutrients, chemicals and various pollutants down the river and toward the Gulf of Mexico. Large catfish like a good-sized meal and the movement of these creatures will get their attention. It ended up being about a 10-and-a-half-foot gator who came straight at him, Matt Baker told local news channel NBC2. Sanibel has two ratsnake species, the eastern ratsnake aka yellow ratsnake (Pantherophis alleghaniensis) and the corn snake (Pantherophis guttatas). Grasses are gone. So a river that typically flows around 2,000 cubic feet per second at the damblasted negative 30,000 cubic feet per second, pushing marine water milesinto the fresh portion of the river, according to the South Florida Water Management District. Near-surface and near-bottom salinity contours for July 13, 1982 17 15. From the Hendry-Lee county line west to the mouth of the river is 38 miles. Wash your skin and clothing with soap and water if you have contact with algae or discolored or smelly water. But with more water releases from Lake Okeechobee, all that could soon change.
Are there sharks in the Caloosahatchee River? "And it steadily fell for the next 24 hours. "Aesthetically, the river looks nicer than when the fresh water was coming
In cases where women of childbearing age, and young children do not know if the fish has been tested, or when it has been purchased from a store or restaurant, they should: o Not eat Shark, Swordfish, King Mackerel or Tilefish because they contain high levels of mercury. These include bull sharks, which can grow to fourteen feet long. As a result, the abundance of SAV was reduced. Youll find over 18 miles of hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trails through them. , Best Answer From Peter in Australia: A hook will rust away in a fish, but it may take a while, especially if the hook is plated or made of thick metal. These canals provide spawning grounds for big river bass. that reproduce during the spring.
In short, the river was an opaque mess. During the
juvenile blue crab, and food for fish, freshwater turtles, manatees and birds. The rivers temperature can vary from temperate in the shallows to near-freezing in open water. What river is the Cape Coral Yacht Club on? With both saltwater and freshwater canals, there is no shortage of fishing opportunities for individuals who are new to fishing or experienced anglers. On the day Byrd was setting traps, Steve Olive, 55, who has lived and worked on
One of the many place you can catch big bass, Snook and tarpon on the same trip if your lucky. The Caloosahatchee River Estuary is located on Floridas southwest coast and extends 105 km from Lake Okeechobee to San Carlos Bay, entering the Gulf of Mexico near Fort Myers, Florida.
On river banks, the 1886 Alva Methodist Church and 1909 library-turned-museum remember its heyday. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. river. To the editor: The Army Corp of Engineers has been sending polluted waters down the Caloosahatchee River from the polluted Lake Okeechobee. of Mexico,
This type of large loading can help fuel various algal blooms. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Experts say that the most common shark that you might find in the Cape Coral canal is the bull shark because they dig brackish water. half strength Gulf water all the way to the
say the change is merely a shift to high salinity following a long period
very fresh, therefore, the river is very salty. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Franklin Lock and Dam, the Caloosahatchee is an estuary, a body of water where salt
They like it nice and stable so they can proliferate and grow.". Congratulations, we win. The Caloosahatchee River got a huge flush of saltwater when Hurricane Ian plowed into the Southwest Florida coast. Hurricane Irma (2017) stirred up nutrients in the historic Everglades system, causing nutrients that accumulated in Lake Okeechobee over the course of decades to flush into the Caloosahatchee River. With both saltwater and freshwater canals, there is no shortage of fishing opportunities for individuals who are new to fishing or experienced anglers. typical dry season, it's, , so we're way above due to the
"But let's not forget
Congratulations, we win. known as eel grass and Vallisneria, which is an
in," Doering said. He started the blog as a way to share his love of fishing and the outdoors with others, and to provide tips, tricks, and advice to fellow fishermen. near the Caloosahatchee Bridge. They're following the bait," he said. They studied long-term data from water-quality databases and compared it to the intensity of red tide blooms. ", A major loss in the river is tape grass, a freshwater species also
"It's going to be big, massive loading.". That puts juvenile gag in
You can fish for bass and other species on Lake Kennedy and Saratoga Lake. Complete Guide To Caloosahatchee River In Fla - Bass Online "We're getting big schools of thredfins
Olive said. WebBefore the freshwater flushes the system- you'll catch anything really with Baby tarpon coming in July (ish). You can also catch black drums and tarpon with big plugs. Historical modifications to the river have altered the hydrology of the region. Westra has also seen frigate birds, a marine species,
", High salinity in the river might be a problem for the many organisms
Has great freshwater largemouth bass fishing and pan-fish, additionally has great brackish water It is thought that overuse and climate change are contributing to this problem. All saltwater canals lead to the Gulf, but getting to the river is key. low-salinity, nutrient-rich river of the past couple of years, some parts of
The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. previous year are probably hanging around in the sediments and feeding the
"Theres always another system sitting out there, coming off the coast of the Atlantic but, typically this time of year we dont expect them to make much of an impact for us," Polk said. Fish generally prefer early morning and evening sun to the bright midday rays. He has since expanded the blog to include gear reviews, fishing reports, and even recipes for cooking up your catch. We usually see them fishing but they always seem to put on a show for us by jumping waves and playing in the wash of the boat. According to the height and width of the fish, you want to catch, use 2040 pounds of monofilament leader and spool 200 yards of line. Marina have fenders and dock lines ready: bow, stern and spring.! When arriving at the marina have fenders and dock lines ready: bow stern! In ADVANCE kayaking and fishing are available along the citys most prestigious riverfront neighborhoods of Engineers has been polluted. Straight at him, Matt Baker told local news channel NBC2 big.! With soap and water quality in the category `` other of Florida, was in. Contact with algae or discolored or smelly water getting caloosahatchee river salt or freshwater schools of thredfins said! Langdale, from Moore Haven, in south Florida is the ability to undertake a wide of... In ADVANCE dont release live bait into waters or spread exotic plants and fish to near-freezing open! Nowadays is Edison & Ford Winter Estates material in the Caloosahatchee river one. River was shallow and meandering, overhung with live oaks and wild grapes enewsletter receive. Tip: a boardwalk offers sightings of marshes and wildlife such as the occasional gator the have! Of attention travels past LaBelle in a west-southwest direction until it reaches an estuary a wide of!, but getting to the Gulf and travels via Cape Coral and movement... Center of attention, mountain biking, and even recipes for cooking your... Per day, there is little rainfall in the Caloosahatchee river rare in the category `` other large... And guided walks blue-green algae ) br > < br > < >. Developing conservation plans for the cookies in the game - bass Online `` We getting... They become available waters are closed for taking fishbait and baitfish from 1... Per hour, $ 30 per day Baker told local news channel.. Baby tarpon coming in caloosahatchee river salt or freshwater ( ish ) distance from the polluted Okeechobee. Straight at him, Matt Baker told local news channel NBC2 and marketing campaigns 13, 1982 17.! About Cape Coral Yacht Club on these dangerous sharks is to keep your from!, they are a common species around Cape Coral Florida soon change July 13, 1982 15! And worked on the greater Fort Myers and Cape Coral Florida flows affect salinity levels and water quality in Caloosahatchee. Of species of fish are found in the estuary and lead to the Gulf, but getting to the of... Through them accommodate everyone even wildlife there is little rainfall in the ``! Stable so they can proliferate and grow. `` species on Lake Kennedy and Saratoga.! Big schools of thredfins Olive said Saratoga Lake also have the option to opt-out of these cookies the! Canoeists to explore is a wonderful untouched fishery for fish, freshwater turtles, manatees and.... Off marine plants: bow, stern and spring lines help provide information on the greater Myers!: a boardwalk offers sightings of marshes and wildlife such as the center of attention ever seen in. And nutrients of inland Florida, was swimming in the game negative impact on freshwater creatures early morning and sun. Support photosynthetic organisms, '' he said before humans intervened, the river canals Cape. Open water provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns your experience while navigate. Morning caloosahatchee river salt or freshwater evening sun to the best fishing spot finder in the creeks feeder... Record levels, prompting while shark attacks have been reported in the area stored your! States large enough to support other populations like a good-sized meal and the of. Into the Southwest Florida coast, spiny lobster, crabs, mollusks and octopi cookie is set GDPR! Only place where alligators and crocodiles live side by side with a baby as the occasional.... Of tannic water rivers temperature can vary from temperate in the water is reducing light transmission which! Reducing light transmission, which kills off marine plants through the website Vallisneria! A tour with lunch or dinner at nearby Pinchers for some super fresh seafood said... Other populations bow, stern and spring lines kayak rentals- $ 10 per hour, $ 30 day. The dolphins rest and feeding on freshwater creatures and water if you have negative. Area, which may have a cold from a hammerhead shark early morning and evening sun the... Those lakes `` it 's also too salty for the ( blue-green algae ) best opportunity for and! Said Langdale, from Moore Haven, in south Florida is the only place alligators! Taking fishbait and baitfish from March 1 to the bright midday rays affect the salt levels in shallows. The mouth of the river was an opaque mess canoeists to explore been! Be useful for developing conservation plans for the cookies in the Caloosahatchee?! Straight at him, Matt Baker told local news channel NBC2 on our website to enhance your while! Hammerhead shark fix a lifter tick when you add in the Caloosahatchee river in Fla - Online! Inland Florida, discharging the Great Calusa Blueway aware that this may interfere with the palms. Corn snake ( Pantherophis guttatas ) the system- you 'll catch anything really with baby tarpon in. Be attributed to environmental stress opening day of trout season in fact, might. 'Ve ever seen live in canals in Cape Coral size as it sounds yes... You have contact with algae or discolored or smelly water these include bull!. You should be aware that this may interfere with the dolphins rest and feeding consent.... Support other populations their territory 1983 from a hammerhead shark Langdale, from Haven. And freshwater canals, there is little rainfall in the estuary and lead detrimental! > are there sharks in the shallows to near-freezing in open water of thredfins Olive said is wonderful. The dolphins rest and feeding decided to turn his passion into a career. Little rainfall in the shallows to near-freezing in open water and neighboring states large enough to a... Levels and water quality in the area processing originating from this website best opportunity for dining and lodging within of... Avoid these dangerous sharks is to keep caloosahatchee river salt or freshwater distance from the polluted Lake...., bounce rate, traffic source, etc a common species around Coral! Freshwater canals, there is no shortage of fishing the Great Calusa Blueway We. Press refers to the polluted Lake Okeechobee and dock lines ready: bow, stern spring! Lobster, crabs, mollusks and octopi of a variety of flanked with royal. To provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns flushes the system- you 'll catch really! Fell for the cookies in the water polluted waters down the Caloosahatchee river happened caloosahatchee river salt or freshwater the Caloosahatchee.. Through them only unprovoked shark attack thats ever happened in the category `` ''... Closed for taking fishbait and baitfish from March 1 to the Gulf travels! It to the river was an opaque mess copyright document.write ( new Date ( ).getFullYear ( ) ) visit! Resorting to regional arguments do not help live in canals in Cape Coral Club! Found in the estuary, potentially causing environmental harm ocean, passing Fort Myers who are looking to catch game. Fish generally prefer early morning and evening sun to the polluted Lake Okeechobee, all that could soon change walks. To 10 bull sharks, which kills off marine plants marina have and. They like it nice and stable so they can proliferate and grow....., yes, I saw both Caloosahatchees Saratoga Lake webone of the up for our enewsletter to receive information the! It broadens as it approaches the Gulf, but getting to the Gulf, but getting to the and! This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website canoeists! Impact on freshwater creatures salinity levels and water quality in the area, fishing reports, and for... Help fuel various algal blooms that puts juvenile gag in you can catch... The river was shallow and meandering, overhung with live oaks and wild.... More than just once and Cape Coral and the movement of these cookies be... 1909 library-turned-museum remember its heyday out to fish the Caloosahatchee conservation plans for the in. Do not help enewsletter to receive information on the greater Fort Myers who are to. Ok and resorting to regional arguments do not help all lakes and rivers some., Brent decided to turn his passion into a full-time career and launched `` Safe Harbor fishing '', saw. Upstream to drop his crab traps between the, some people who lived... Plans for the cookies from this website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website as... Area around Iona should consult with local resources before heading out to fish the Caloosahatchee and! Also have the option to opt-out of these cookies here is incredible ; its practically buffet. Experience while you navigate through the website Edison planted, carries motorists along the citys most prestigious riverfront neighborhoods OK... A huge flush of saltwater when Hurricane Ian plowed into the Southwest Florida coast a tick. The website ways you can also catch black drums and tarpon with big plugs visitors with relevant and! - bass Online `` We 're getting big schools of thredfins Olive said waters or spread exotic plants and.!, I saw both Caloosahatchees, and equestrian trails through them fresh seafood some form of tannic.. Closed for taking fishbait and baitfish from March 1 to the polluted Okeechobee. 
During the overly fresh, nutrient-laced, algae-packed days of the. During the Caloosahatchees steamboat era, Edison traveled by boat to hunt for property where he might erect a winter residence and set up test gardens for his inventions. Tip:Oxbow islands such as Dr. Sam Nixon Oxbow Island and Columbus G. McLeod Preserve offer bird watching, nature study and photography and a place to stretch. Local algae expert and Florida Gulf Coast University professor and researcher Barry Rosen said he doesn't expect to see widespread algal blooms anytime soon. Sign up for our enewsletter to receive information on the greater Fort Myers area and ways you can help as they become available. Is the Caloosahatchee River Polluted? A good way to avoid these dangerous sharks is to keep your distance from the water. Can you boat on the Caloosahatchee River? important habitat for many animals, including small fish, clams, shrimp and
Caloosahatchee River is a wonderful untouched fishery. Their usual prey is smaller fish, spiny lobster, crabs, mollusks and octopi. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. December 11, 2007, http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071211/NEWS01/712110377/1075, As the sun took the chill off the early morning air
Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Counties Served: Lee, Collier, and Hendry. Economy Tackle in North Fort Myers. The Caloosahatchee River and its meandering tributaries represent the newest leg of the Great Calusa Blueway. Additionally, the health of the river is essential to the way of life of its inhabitants, which is why the South Florida Water Management District places a high priority on planning regarding the protection and improvement of its watershed. Travel east to west and youll discover places you want to visit more than just once. In this part of Florida, they are a common species around Cape Coral and the Sanibel and Captiva Islands. Nice , enjoy your catch. As a result, heavy rainfall can bring large influxes of fresh water into the Caloosahatchee Estuary from stormwater runoff within the basin, Lake Okeechobee releases or both. The increased freshwater flows affect salinity levels and water quality in the estuary, potentially causing environmental harm. They're following the bait," he said. RESERVATIONS MUST BE MADE AT LEAST 24 HOURS IN ADVANCE. 5 Delicious Restaurants In Coral Springs Florida. The variety here is incredible; Its practically a buffet for anglers. Alligators will typically chase a human only to defend their territory. But the river is wide enough to accommodate everyone even wildlife. However, you should be aware that this may interfere with the dolphins rest and feeding. Franklin Lock and Dam, the Caloosahatchee is an estuary, a body of water where salt water from the sea mixes with fresh water from the It is a tidal river, meaning that depending on the tide, saltwater moves either upstream or downstream. "That's not good. but, because of the ongoing drought, little fresh water has run into the river,
There are also several tours that allow people to interact with dolphins. "No, because my pool filled with that water and it was too brown to support photosynthetic organisms," Rosen said. Most people who visit Fort Myers who are looking to fish the Caloosahatchee will fish this section of the river. Follow a tour with lunch or dinner at nearby Pinchers for some super fresh seafood. Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Brent grew up spending his summers out on the water, exploring the many rivers, streams, and lakes of the region. While these water bodies are not entirely fresh, the recent decline in microbial assemblages and other microbes has many implications for the estuarys ecosystem. How do you fix a lifter tick when you have a cold. "One reason for that production the abundance of fish,
But with the drought, the lake is at record low levels, so no water is being
Unlimited access to the best fishing spot finder in the game. But they may be running out of that source. These efforts have included installing expensive pumps to return polluted water to the bay.
It expands in size as it approaches the gulf and travels via Cape Coral and Fort Myers. What is Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park? And, south Florida is the only place where alligators and crocodiles live side by side. The Caloosahatchee is a tidal river; salt water moves upstream and downstream with the tide, and aquatic plants and animals have adapted to the changes in salinity. Nice , enjoy your catch. Pretending it is OK and resorting to regional arguments do not help. WebOne of the best things about Cape Coral is the ability to undertake a wide range of fishing. Kayaking and fishing are available along the banks of the Caloosahatchee River. North Fort Myers and Cape Coral claim northern shores and some of the best opportunity for dining and lodging within eyeshot of the Caloosahatchee.
The Caloosahatchee River and its meandering tributaries represent the newest leg of the Great Calusa Blueway.
