While Save Crystal River’s efforts to plant eelgrass does not reduce salinity, the grasses themselves have the capacity to thrive in both saltwater and freshwater. Along with this survival ability, eelgrass helps hold sediment at the bottom of the river floor, which reduces overall turbidity of the water. These traits make eelgrass perfect for restoring Crystal River’s clarity and providing a stable environment for indigenous wildlife.
This post shares the importance of nitrate and pH levels in the calculation of water quality. Nitrates are organic compounds found all around us while pH can be influenced by nitrate levels or human contaminants.
Damage caused by anchor and prop scars is easily one of the most detrimental elements to the health of our growing eelgrass. But why and how can we avoid it?
Temperature and dissolved oxygen are just two of the many factors scientists study when determining water quality. Temperature measures how hot or cold the water is, and dissolved oxygen measures the percentage of oxygen dissolved in a given volume of water. Scientists use both of these as an indicator of contaminants or abnormal activity in a body of water.
Crystal River Florida is known for its vibrant, azure springs and “Old Florida” landscape. How can you look out on a sawgrass prairie and not say “wow”? Even though the landscape remains picturesque, the water quality of the river still drastically declines. Only 40 years ago, one could clearly see fish and manatee swimming below. Now in the main river, it is hard to spot any fish unless they jump from the murky water.
My blog posts, "Walker on the Water" show the importance of Save Crystal River and the beauty of Crystal River.
Years ago, we would always suggest taking a manatee swim tour during manatee season. During the summer months, we would swim in dark dirty water. The bottom was algae ridden and just plain muck… YUCK! We didn’t know it yet, but this was all about to change!!
As the end of manatee season nears, we are excited to dive back in full swing! While the project may have slowed down over the winter months, rest assured our workers with Sea & Shoreline have still been actively cleaning and making progress in our approved winter permitted areas.
Sea & Shoreline meets the requirements of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s list of critical infrastructure industries as it is an agriculture company and a water management company. The company holds both agriculture and aquaculture licenses in the state of Florida.
See past updates on our cleaning progress.
