Seagrass losses in recent years leading to staggering manatee deaths due to starvation
Back in April, some very disconcerting news came to light when the Southwest Florida Water Management District released data indicating Tampa Bay had suffered a 13% loss of seagrasses.
To add insult to injury, this past week SWFMD updated their data to a higher 16% (6,353 acres) along with 18% in Sarasota Bay and a whopping 23% in Charlotte Harbor. This is so disheartening as I still remember writing glowing articles about an increase of seagrass acreage in all three estuaries within the past 10 years.
How quickly things can change.
Justin Bloom, founder of Suncoast Waterkeeper, states “that kind of signals the really bad scenario that we are afraid of.” He continues, “our estuaries are facing the same progression of worsening conditions that we saw over in Indian River Lagoon, which suffered massive seagrass losses in recent years leading to staggering manatee deaths due to starvation. As of Sept. 3, the death count stands at 937.
Let this be a cautionary tale as our estuaries simply will cease to function without healthy seagrasses.
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For all of you wanna-be Waltonians out there, CB’s Saltwater Outfitters has announced their Orvis-Endorsed Fly Fishing School schedule for the 2021-22 season. Local fly ace Capt. Rick Grassett will be tutoring beginner and intermediate skilled long wanders on Nov..6, Jan.15, Feb. 19, March 19 and April 9. The fee is $225 and includes use of Orvis fly gear, workbook and lunch. For complete info and pre-registration call CB’s at 941-349-4400 or visit info@cbsoutfitters.com.
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A caution to all offshore anglers headed out this weekend. A quota closure on recreational anglers for red grouper went into effect in federal waters on Sept. 15 until further notice. State waters remain open but few keeper red grouper are taken within 9 miles.
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