IRLNews:2020/09/27/Marine Resources Council IRL Report Card Webinar
MRC Webinar Presentations
The Indian River Lagoon Observatory Network of Environmental Sensors (IRLON):
Addressing Emerging Environmental Issues in the Indian River Lagoon presented by Dr. M. Dennis Hanisak, Ph.D., Harbor Branch, Florida Atlantic University, Indian River Lagoon Observatory Director.
Indian River Lagoon Observatory at Harbor Branch Research Institute in Fort Pierce, Florida uses an estuarine observation network of land/ocean biogeochemical observatory (LOBO) units and weather sensors to provide real-time, high-accuracy, and high-resolution water quality/weather data through the dedicated interactive Indian River Lagoon Observatory Network website.
The 1hr 19m long webinar video begins with Dr. Hanisak's presentation. Questions and answers occur at 00hr:34m:00s into the video.
IRL Tributaries Health Update:
Tracking the Pollution Sources of the Lagoon presented by Dr. Leesa Souto, Marine Resources Council Executive Director.
Dr. Souto introduced MRC's new Indian River Lagoon Report Card, a science-based water quality rating system for the IRL. The MRC rates the lagoon's water quality based on Nitrogen and Phosphorus content, chlorophyll, turbidity, and seagrass growth.
In short, human-introduced Nitrogen & Phosphorus (nutrient pollution) fuels the growth of chlorophyll (algae), creating murky turbid water that blocks sunlight, preventing the growth of seagrass, the IRL's key indicator species.
Dr. Souto revealed the IRL's health scores with animated graphics that illustrated the estuary's demise through the years. Most IRL zones average a D grade with a 60% - 70% score, but there are many areas in fair to good condition with a 70%+ score. Unfortunately, some tributaries such as North IRL's Turnbull Creek and Flounder Creek are flunking poorly with scores less than 50%.
Dr. Souto's presentation begins at 00hr:50m:14s into the video.
Both presenters answer questions at 01hr:05m:34s into the video. Questions included the construction of saltwater aqueducts and the effectiveness of seagrass restoration efforts.
