Ed is on a roll!
Yesterday, 5-23-22, at around 3:30pm, these aerials were taken of the Sailfish Flats, the confluence of the St Lucie River/Indian River Lagoon between Sewall’s Point and Hutchinson Island.
The water looks great and I have had reports of seagrass-although sparse-growing in some parts of this region. KEEP THE LOCKS CLOSED and thank you Ed for documenting the St Lucie!
Mind you, the entire river is not this color. The water gets more tannin and darker as you approach the locks and upper reaches of the forks. These were once fresh and clear. In a hundred years, things have drastically changed…
As you can see, the proximity to the St Lucie Inlet allows for flushing/cleaning of this area. Since repeated blue-green algae laden discharges starting in 2013, and then again in 2016 and 2018, the grasses have become sparse mostly due to poor light penetration. The inlet cannot flush when high discharges from Lake Okeechobee and area canals are pouring through for long periods of time.
Some of the shading you see is macro-algae not seagrasses. It takes years for seagrass to recover. With three good recent years they seem to be recovering. Things are looking up so long as Mother Nature and politics don’t get in way. Please continue to advocate for our waters!
I am including all photos- although similar- so you may compare and get the feeling of
~Flight~
1977 aerial below by Chris Perry for historic comparison.
Very good pictures. Thank you….
Our pleasure!
Can’t we try to collect signatures to get a bill put on the ballot to require each medium & large farm or ranch be inspected yearly and fund the inspections, also, include fining each one that goes over BMP’s and/or BMAP’s when they go over more than 10% one fine and additional fines for each additional 10% over the standards set
Dear Diane, thank you for all of you work and ideas. I am forwarding information for today’s DEP BMAP meeting for St Lucie River in case someone can use this, you are probably attending today. This is one of the places where we can make a dent in this situation.I really respect your ideas.
“This is a reminder that “St. Lucie River and Estuary BMAP Annual Meeting” will begin in 1 Day on:
Wed, May 25, 2022 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM EDT
Add to Calendar: Outlook® Calendar | Google Calendar™ | iCal®
Please send your questions, comments and feedback to: lisa.vanhoudt@floridadep.gov
How to Join the Webinar
1. Click the link to join the webinar at the specified time and date:
Join Webinar
Note: This link should not be shared with others; it is unique to you.
Before joining, be sure to check system requirements to avoid any connection issues.
2. Choose one of the following audio options:
TO USE YOUR COMPUTER’S AUDIO:
When the webinar begins, you will be connected to audio using your computer’s microphone and speakers (VoIP). A headset is recommended.
–OR–
TO USE YOUR TELEPHONE:
If you prefer to use your phone, you must select “Use Telephone” after joining the webinar and call in using the numbers below.
United States: +1 (415) 930-5321
Access Code: 962-747-325
Audio PIN: Shown after joining the webinar
Webinar ID: 984-027-131″
Fines must be enforced otherwise nothing will change !
I am in agreement and this is DEP. The top of the triangle.
Thanks for the documentation Jacqui and Ed. Pictures speak a thousand words.
#keepthemclosed
Thank you Mike!!!River Warriors forever!