(Florida Today news, Jim Waymer, March 9, 2021)
Manatees are slowing starving to death in the Indian River Lagoon. Biologists suspect that the lack of sea grass in the Indian River Lagoon may be the cause. Recently, 13 carcasses were counted by an observer along the shores of the Manatee Cove Park. Florida Wildlife officials have asked NOAA to declare this die-off an “Unusual Marine Mammal Mortality Event”, which would trigger federal aid to investigate. But opinions differ as to why the sea grass has died. The environmental groups blame the algae blooms. The boating advocates say too many manatees have depleted the amount of sea grass, and have left behind high-nutrient waste which fuel the algae blooms. To read the entire article, click here.