It seems that Sanibel Island and Ft Myers Beach are the most impacted by red drift algae. There's a good informational Insider Page on Trip Advisor about the subject, but in brief this is it:
A combination of nutrients and water activity allow the sudden explosive growth of a family of red drift algae. The common denominator is their seaweedy like appearance. Color varies, but all are pests and alter the natural habitat forcing out 'good' sea grass and other plants. The algae can't anchor well and is ripped off the floor of the Gulf and then floats to the surface where it tangles with other algae forming rafts or mats, which are occasionally huge and thick. These mats can float off shore and develop quite an odor as they rot. They also wash up onto the beaches and overnight an entire beach can be covered with the stuff - a few inches or over 18 inches! In a vicious circle, the rotting algae releases nutrients back into the water that then supports the next crop of algae. The cycle can only be broken by removing the algae. The City of Sanibel is exploring options, but like any endeavour it has both supporters and detractors. Personally, I think if something isn't done soon Sanibel's reputation will suffer to the point where even it's most loyal supporters and long time visitors will be unwilling to risk their vacations to algae covered beaches.
Red drift algae is a hazard to boaters and wildlife as well. The thick mats fouls propellers, drives away fish, and causes problems for birds. This past winter, visitors, local fishermen and even the head of Ding Darling noted the changes in bird population and availability of 'feeder' fish, like mullet. The estuaries along the mangrove coasts are hugely important to the long term health of our oceans. They are the nurseries for fish and the feeding grounds on which the whole chain of sea life, and many birds are dependent. Toxic blue-green algae, red drift algae and many other factors have caused so much damage to the environment that head of Ding Darling puts recovery 6 or more years, if no more out breaks occur!
Unlike Red Tide, the source of the problem with red drift algae and blur-green algae is pretty much pinpointed to the dumping of the nutrient filled water out of Lake Okeechobee into the rivers that empty into the sounds. The excess fresh water also changes the salinity of the bays and other areas. The other factor is runoff of water from farmland, golf courses and even homes.
I highly recommend people who care about the unique environment of estuaries in the area should visit http://www.sanibelh2omatters.com/ - a website created and maintained by the City of Sanibel dedicated to water quality issues.
For some photos I took in March showing both fresh and old deposits of red drift algae, see:
1 comment:
I am a fervent supporter of the removel (and the resolution of the problem at its source), I have been on the beach when algae was present, and while I really could have done without it, it didn't ruin my vacation. Heck, I even manage to flyfish and painstakingly remove ther algae from my line :)
That being said, I'm glad to see that the city is taking action and is gettign ready to invest in solutions. I will post any update I get on the subject.
Post a Comment