Growing and Planting Eelgrass
The ability to transform an algae-based aquatic ecosystem into a plant-based system is the key to making Crystal River crystal clear. Eelgrass is vital to the health of our river. Interested in how it's done?
Scalloping in Crystal River
In the summer, tourists flood to Crystal River to spend their days scalloping in the Gulf of Mexico, but due to over-catching and degrading water quality, the number of bay scallops has greatly decreased over the past ten years.
EELGRASS EFFECT: Then & Now
Long gone are the days spent driving around the Bay to find a manatee. Now we are looking for ones in clear water WITHOUT other boats near them. We can’t remember the last time that a tour struck out finding manatees to swim with. We’ve become spoiled.
Seasonal Changes Produce Healthier Eelgrass Beds in Kings Bay
If you have swam, boated, or paddled around Kings Bay this winter, you have probably seen an unusual amount of eelgrass blades floating throughout the canals. A closer look may have even revealed that some of the robust eelgrass beds you have grown accustomed to seeing might be looking a little thinner than usual. No need for concern!
Sawgrasses and Salinity
Species diversity in sawgrass is limited, but it fosters lots of life. Typically, alligators use sawgrass to nest. Sawgrasses not only provide habitat, but they also provide a place of refuge for any animal trying to escape the Florida sun or a pursuing predator. One species I didn’t expect to see were barnacles on my dock posts. Due to the rising salinity levels of Crystal River, the once freshwater part of King’s Bay I live on has become salty enough to support barnacles and other, more dangerous, saltwater species.
Why are Springs Blue?
Next time you’re out at Three Sisters or any other spring, think about how the water you’re swimming through, or paddling on, is rainwater, filtered and cooled through rock, colored by minerals, and reflecting dissolved earth crystals and the blue sky. You’re not only swimming through the water we drink and wash our hands with, but also one of nature’s miracles. No wonder the manatees love it!
Turbidity and Salinity in Water Quality
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.
Nitrates and pH in Water Quality
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.
When Scars Can’t Heal
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 in Water Quality
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.