IRLNews:DeSantis’ support is vital in Indian River Lagoon restoration effort

DeSantis’ support is vital in Indian River Lagoon restoration effort

Peter Barile, Author

October 26, 2021

Opinion-Editorial

Melbourne - In a 2021 FDEP Basin Management Action Plan for the northern Indian River Lagoon the department reported that, despite recent restoration efforts, a 50% reduction in annual nitrogen and phosphorus loads will still be needed to create water-quality conditions sufficient to mitigate harmful algal blooms and result in water clear enough to initiate recovery of seagrasses and organisms that depend on this aquatic plant lifeblood.

Which means that significant reduction in nitrogen and phosphorus loading into the Lagoon is still the primary and essential task necessary to achieve restoration of the most biodiverse estuary in North America.

Dr. Peter Barile: "...I encourage the governor, the Florida Legislature and the FDEP to continue to prioritize funding for critical wastewater infrastructure projects that will result in water-quality improvements and restoration of the Indian River Lagoon system. Alternatively, the Legislature and the governor should be vigilant in cutting wasteful spending projects such as muck dredging and “super clam” seed plantings that are not consistent with the FDEP’s restoration plans for the Lagoon."

Full Story: DeSantis’ support is vital in Indian River Lagoon restoration effort

Credit: Author: Dr. Peter Barile

Location: North Indian River: Melbourne: Brevard County

Source: Orlando Sentinel Newspaper Opinion-Editorial. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the guest authors and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of Indian River Lagoon News or it's editors. Published by Orlando Sentinel on October 26, 2021. Retrieved on October 30, 2021.

Topic: Water Quality