(task) Local scientists say toxic St. Johns River algae blooms may increase | Firstcoastnews.com

SFLRS

4 cover

water, environment

> http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/local-scientists-say-toxic-st-johns-river-algae-blooms-may-increase/283399851 <http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/local-scientists-say-toxic-st-johns-river-algae-blooms-may-increase/283399851>
>
> Local scientists say toxic St. Johns River algae blooms may increase
>
> JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Toxic algae blooms invading South Florida could soon become the norm, according to a new report from National Geographic <http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2016/07/toxic-algae-florida-beaches-climate-swamp-environment>.
>
> The St. Johns Riverkeeper's Lisa Rinaman said our state hasn’t seen the worst of yet, since the heat in August is expected only to intensify the algae problem. While the main issue is south of Jacksonville right now, it’s something she says could return to the First Coast. For that reason, she is putting together a team to tackle the problem before it gets out control in North Florida, specifically the St. Johns River.
>
> The problem is also intensified due to state agencies in Florida decreasing their funding for sampling and monitoring efforts of the water. That’s one of the main reasons the St. Johns Riverkeeper was formed in the first place.
>
> “We’ve had major toxic algae blooms and fish kills on the St Johns in the past due to the root cause of too much nutrient pollution,” said Rinaman. “So this river still has the pollution here, though the conditions aren’t as bad as what we’re seeing in south Florida, but it can and will happen again so we need to make sure we are taking a holistic approach.”
>
> That’s why she and Riverkeeper Community Engagement Coordinator Justina Dacey are organizing a “Citizen Science Project” comprised of volunteers in the community who can help them test the water. They are holding a training workshop Wednesday, Aug. 17.
>
> But testing the water regularly isn’t the only preventative measure. It needs a community-wide approach, according to Rinaman and Dacey.
>
> From the fertilizer we put on our grass, to the septic tanks we have throughout neighborhoods, most of the pollution that runs into the river makes the problem worse. Local businesses that rely on the water are being affected because algae can halt kayaking, fishing and tour boats, which is why it is ultimately an environmental, political and economic issue.
>
> “I actually have friends in south Florida right now who are being impacted by this,” Dacey said. “It’s upsetting to know that the environment in Florida is not doing well and these algae blooms are an indication of what is happened in our environment today.”
>
> To learn more about the St. Johns Riverkeeper’s effort you can visit their website (http://www.stjohnsriverkeeper.org/ <http://www.stjohnsriverkeeper.org/>) or attend their Algae sampling workshop on Aug. 17 <http://www.stjohnsriverkeeper.org/events/know-your-green-algae-bloom-awareness-presentation/>.