Blue-Green Algae: The Crisis in South Florida.

If you live in South Florida, you know about the horrendous algae blooms that have taken over our waterways as of late. If you don’t live in South Florida, you should know of the environmental tragedy that is mucking up our canals, killing our wildlife and discouraging tourism. We have been plagued with toxic cyanobacteria originating in the overflow releases from Lake Okeechobee. The cyanobacteria species known as “blue-green algae” can thrive in both fresh and saltwater and its overgrowth is directly related to nutrient pollution. Who is to blame for causing this statewide crisis?

Lake Okeechobee is one of the largest lakes in the country and is located in the heart of the Florida Everglades. Just south of Lake Okeechobee is where Florida’s sugar cane industry operates in the fertile, nitrogen-rich soil surrounding the lake. The Herbert Hoover Dike was built to prevent lake water from flooding the farming area to allow for steady growth of sugar cane. The Army Corps of Engineers has been periodically releasing fertilizer-infused water from Lake Okeechobee due to its rising water levels to prevent pressure buildup on the dike. If the dike were to burst due to a storm, not only would the cropland be flooded and destroyed, it would also kill tens of thousands of people who live in the surroundings. “’We’re making choices between trying to protect the integrity of the dike — the safety of the people who live and work around the lake — or upsetting the balance of a delicate ecological system,’ said Corps spokesman John Campbell (Toxic Lake).” Given the lives at stake, it is necessary to release the water from Lake Okeechobee, but the problem lies in the contents of that water. “Too much nitrogen and phosphorus in the water causes algae to grow faster than ecosystems can handle (The Problem).” The fertilizer runoff from the sugar industry is the main cause of this algae epidemic.

Cyanobacteria or “blue-green algae,” is naturally occurring in freshwater bodies of water. This type of bacteria flourishes in warm environments with high nutrient levels and is capable of creating its own food from the sun via photosynthesis. When lakes remain stagnant for any period without the disturbance of weather, the cyanobacteria will multiply out of control. In Lake Okeechobee, the bacteria present are exposed to fertilizer runoff which creates that ideal nutrient-dense breeding ground. This rapid development continues as seen in the blooms of green scum we have in our canals. “Persistent blooms block sunlight that feeds plants growing on the bottom of lakes, resulting in the loss of rooted aquatic vegetation, which is valuable habitat. When blooms end, the decay of the blue-green algae consumes much of the oxygen in the water, causing fish to die (Blue-green algae in Florida waters).” The effects of cyanobacteria blooms are toxic to humans, animals and other organisms that live in the aquatic ecosystem.

This cyanobacteria overgrowth has affected more than just the physical harm done to living things. Blue-green algae stinks both literally and figuratively. It literally smells like death and feces if you are even within 300 feet of the disgusting slime. My home is located off a river access channel in North Fort Myers, so I have personally witnessed the bacterial growth and been affected by the offensive odor. Figuratively the blue-green algae stinks because it has hindered local businesses that rely on tourism to sustain their livelihood. Florida is known for its fishing, boating and beautiful beaches. No out-of-towner wants to visit a town that reeks of dead fish and desolation.

What can we do to stop this environmental degradation? It is unlikely that “Big Sugar” will go anywhere due to its lengthy establishment and steady funding of political campaigns, but their operations could change if directed by the right hands. While there is no quick fix to the algae crisis, we can do our part as citizens and vote for individuals concerned with environmental reform. It is essential to stay up to date with the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan and any changes in pollution discharge policies or reservoir expansions. This should not be a political issue; both democrats and republicans must fight to protect the place we call home. The time is now to get involved and make a difference before the damage done to our beautiful state is irreversible.
