Destructive Algae Bloom Spreads through Florida Bay

A large blue-green algae bloom has developed in Florida Bay, bringing with it potentially disastrous consequences, including die-off of fish and invertebrates. Conservative estimates place the extent of the bloom at 300 square miles, however, it is likely much larger, having been reported from the reef line off Islamorada and Long Key, and as far south as Vaca Cut in Marathon. (See "Extent of Bloom" to the right). This particular bloom is very unusual because it is occurring in every basin in central, south and southwestern Florida Bay, and its size far exceeds that of blooms that occurred during the early 1990s, which prompted the major effort to restore the Everglades. This massive and destructive bloom is a symptom that the ecological health of Florida Bay is severely compromised and that restoration efforts must be accelerated to save it and the Everglades. Audubon of Florida is highlighting specific actions that are needed to reduce the frequency and severity of future blooms: ? Refocus, prioritize and speed up federal and state Everglades restoration efforts (delays including a likely veto of the 2007 Water Resources Development Act 2007 reflect a lack of commitment to restoration); ? Implement the long delayed Modified Waters Delivery Project, which will restore sheetflow of fresh water into the Everglades and Florida Bay; ? Construct an environmentally sound alternative to the proposed the C-111 Spreader Canal allowing freshwater to sheetflow into Florida Bay. ? Finish backfilling of the existing C-111 Canal; ? Comply with Florida Bay Minimum Flows and Levels.Spread the word. Help raise awareness about this horrible bloom and the urgent need to move forward with Everglades restoration. Use the Florida Bay algae bloom site to share information about the bloom. You can use the site to post information, photographs and recommendations for finally solving this long overdue problem. Please contribute to the discussion and share any experiences at our Florida Bay Algae Bloom Forum. Photos are welcome and appreciated.(NOTE: Florida Bay is the area between the southern tip of Florida and the Keys. – Malcolm)(From: Audubon of Florida & RESTORE, Everglades Conservation Network)