Help Us Restore Kings Bay!
Toxic Blue-Green Algae is Invading Citrus County
Lyngbya (Ling-bee-ah) is cutting off freshwater flow from the springs and darkening our once crystal-clear waters. Even worse, the algae is depleting the dissolved oxygen supply and killing off food sources for manatees, turtles, fish and all kinds of wildlife.
We are in the fifth year of restoration. During the past five years of restoration activities, over 700 spring vents have been unclogged, over 52 acres of canals have been cleaned, 95%+ Phosphorous and 50%+ Nitrogen pollution was removed from treated water, and over 130,000 native “Rock Star” eelgrass plants have been planted on the canal bottoms. Explore the website and follow us on social media to learn more about the amazing results of the Kings Bay Restoration Project!
Latest From The Project
Lyngbya is an invasive blue-green algae that has blanketed the bottom of Kings Bay and damaged the ecosystem … [more]
Stay up to date with our current project status and where… [more]
The health of Kings Bay and Crystal River are critical to our way of life. In fact, tourism alone infused nearly $175 million into our economy last year… [more]
Responsible Anchoring
Tour Companies can receive up to 2 free manual anchors including brackets & installation costs up to $600 in total with our .. [More]
Riverbed Scars
You’ve probably seen those sandy lines along the river floor, running through the eelgrass (see picture above). These scars are caused by boat propellers. Scars can also be formed by using hooked anchors that uproot native eelgrass and leave sandy patches in the riverbed. While many boaters believe scraping the bottom is no problem, it takes time for eelgrass to grow back. Often, Save Crystal River will intervene and patch the scars before they fill with gunk and detritus.
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?
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.
Our Supporters
“Before the restoration project, the water clarity has been declining in my canal over the past few years. I was seeing less wildlife and it was beginning to look stagnant. After Save Crystal River’s project began, I started seeing a difference almost immediately. Now that my canal is finished, the water is clearer, I have seen more birds and fish and it seems to be making a very positive impact. I cannot wait to see more in the future. It makes me want to get out and enjoy it more.”
“It’s beautiful, clear, and healthier looking for sure. Wonderful project making a difference over time. Imagine how healthy out ecosystems will become if we continue supporting and spreading programs like this.”
“See what can be fixed if we just come together and do it right!!! Congratulations to everyone who helped in this wonderful conservation project!!! May it continue for generations to come!!!”
“Crazy idea planting grass in the Bay, they said!?!?! No way is it going to work, they said?!?!? Well, congratulations to Save Crystal River, the locals who have worked so hard and the manatees that reap the rewards!! This incredible project proves that humans can make positive changes!!”
Kings Bay is such an important part of our ecosystem. We want this to continue so we have healthy rivers for all the animals, mammals, and people. It’s one of the best reasons to live here. We appreciate all you’re doing!
I have been guiding for 3 years out there. I Lived here for 26 years and what a difference it has made!! 2 years ago the only grass you could find was in cages and everything was darker. Now there is grass everywhere in hunters and it’s doing awesome!! Job well done!! It’s working!!!