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CONSERVATION OF FLORIDA BAY
Florida Bay
courtesy U.S. Geological Survey
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Conservation issues include:
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Problems
- Decrease of water quality and diversity due to human and natural causes
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Water quality and biodiversity has been declining over the years due to human activity and natural causes. There was a major seagrass die-off during the summer of 1987 in the western portion of Florida Bay. Loss of seagrass resulted in an increase in turbidity in the northern regions of the bay. Further loss of seagrasses also lowered the populations of commerically important species such as juvenile pink shrimp, snook, and red drum.
Today, conditions continue to decline with high turbidity, phytoplankton blooms, and population declines of fish and bird species.
Sun Setting Over Florida Bay
courtesy South Florida Water Management District
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Management
- Research is ongoing to determine proper management practices
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Florida Bay provides an important nursery ground for a variety of fish and invertebrates, including those of recreational and commercial value. This resource is a valuable to the entire south Florida ecosystem and should be protected. Research is working to identify the problems and determine proper management practices to improve the health of the Florida Bay region.
South Florida
courtesy NASA
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