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Around Memorial Day, numerous reports of dead fish began to
come in. Thousands of fish were suddenly belly up in the water.
The health departments of three counties bordering the St. Johns
issued statements advising people to stay out of the water where
there were algae blooms or dead fish. Photo by Walter Koker.
Protection began studying the phenomena. While there’s no
definitive answer, it seems to be related to the algae. Algae
blooms are directly linked to excess nutrients in the water.
Armingeon states, “Nutrient pollution was and still is one of
the most significant threats to the river’s health.” One of the
worst known offenders is nitrogen from fertilizers we use to
make our yards, golf courses and football fields look lush
and green. When it rains, excess fertilizer runs off into storm
drains and into the river.
Who’s really to blame Armingeon doesn’t mince
words. “The biggest polluter is all of us in our daily activities.
We put more nitrogen and phosphorus into the St. Johns
River than it can assimilate. Meaning more than it can dilute
to a safe level. The river can’t take any more in and remain
healthy.”
There are a few things an individual can do to help.
According to the Riverkeeper pamphlet “Do Not Feed the
Algae” you can…
This year, there was the addition of a mysterious white foam,
which appeared seemingly everywhere. It’s not the sea foam you
might see on the beach or somebody’s washing machine overflow.
It is heavy viscous foam that floats along in huge rafts and collects
to completely cover some backwater areas. Photo by Dana
Morton.
is what is it we value What do we want to leave our kids
The oil spill will make people realize the future of Florida,
the thing we have that nobody else has, is our natural
resources. We all caught a glimpse of what polluted water
means to our state — it’s our death. We all have to rethink
how we live.”
• Use slow-release low-phosphorus fertilizers.
• Use organic fertilizers, if possible.
• Avoid applying fertilizer before a heavy rain.
• Plant low-maintenance plants next to driveways
and waterways to prevent runoff.
• Water your lawn only when necessary — twice a week
is ideal.
• If you have a septic tank, make sure it’s operating
properly.
If you are a sailor or boater and wish to be part of the
Riverkeeper’s river patrol — to report sightings of pollution,
illegal dumping or fish kill events, or, if you want to
learn more about the Riverkeeper organization, you may go
to www.stjohnsriverkeeper.org.
Armingeon and the other Riverkeeper organizations in
Florida, and around the world, continue to fight for clean
water and educate the public. They realize it’s a battle that
may last generations, but successes like the Hudson River in
New York show some battles can be won.
To drive home the scope of the problem, Armingeon
quotes, “In 2008 DEP estimated that 1000 miles of Florida
rivers and streams, 350,000 acres of lakes and 900 square
miles of estuaries are contaminated by sewage, fertilizer or
animal manure. They don’t meet their quality standard of
being fishable and swimmable.”
Then, he pointedly adds, “The question we have to ask
31% of boats aren’t insured.
I can help you make sure you don’t get stuck with 100% of the
cost if something happens. For less than $1 a day*, Allstate Boatowners
Insurance can cover things like injury, theft, and damage
to your boat, or someone else’s. Don’t wait. Call me today.
PAUL HESS PHANEUF
(813) 353 0303
3641 W KENNEDY #E, TAMPA
a076075@allstate.com
*Based on 2009 countrywide average gross premium for boatowners insurance. Your actual premium will
vary based on state and value of boat. Subject to availability and qualifications. Allstate Property and Casualty
Insurance Company, Northbrook, IL. © 2009 Allstate Insurance Company
News & Views for Southern Sailors SOUTHWINDS September 2010 33