Updated: 8/23/2012 6:31:48 AM EDT

Indian River Lagoon Plagued By Algae

 


Scientists are worried that the Indian River Lagoon could soon be the site of massive fish kills as the result of an algae bloom.
Photo: Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation
Larger | More
Sign Up for Email News Updates!
Name:
Email:
Zip Code:
Bookmark and Share

by Darrell Moody

TITUSVILLE, FLA. -- Scientists are monitoring Florida's Indian River Lagoon for what some are calling the worst algae bloom in history.

The water is brown and cloudy, and at first appearance, looks more like storm run-off than a rich estuary that supports sea life such as manatees and sea turtles.

Officials with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission said the "brown tide" is actually a massive algae bloom. Millions of the tiny organisms are turning the water cloudy almost muddy.

The algae bloom is also killing sea grass on the floor of the lagoon.

Scientists and marine biologists have expressed concern that the algae blooms could result in massive fish kills as well as the loss of other wildlife.

The algae blooms were first reported in the Indian River Lagoon more than a year ago.



 


Gas Prices

Click here for an interactive map!



All Material Copyright © 2013 Florida News Network. All rights reserved.
TERMS OF USE | PRIVACY STATEMENT | COPYRIGHT and TRADEMARK NOTICE | EEO PUBLIC FILE