http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/local/news-article.aspx?storyid=156905&catid=3
QuoteST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. -- A rash of fish kills centered on the St. Johns River - several involving redfish - is puzzling fishermen, outdoorsmen and state scientists looking for a cause, our news partner the Florida Times-Union reported.
Six people told a state agency Tuesday they found dead or dying fish in Duval, Clay and St. Johns counties, with death tolls ranging from eight fish to as many as 100.
More accounts continued Wednesday.
Five people said they found dead redfish, a relatively large and hearty fish, although some counted other dead species as well.
"They're just everywhere," said Tom Williams of Orange Park. "We have other fish here on our dock. Little guys, and mullets and some other fish. None of them have died, just the reds."
Williams said he disposed of about 15 redfish carcasses he began finding near his home on River Road during the Memorial Day weekend. All were about 2 feet long or larger, he said.
MORE: FWC Investigating River Fish Kill
St. Johns County resident Louann Williams - no relation - said she retrieved a large, obviously ailing redfish south of Julington Creek Wednesday for examination by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
"It was as long as my arm. ... I was able to get out of my kayak and walk right behind him and grab him by the tail," she said. The fish lurched away, Williams said, but it stopped a few feet away, so she wrapped a shirt around her hand and grabbed the fish and held it until two state employees came to collect it.
The fish had no obvious cuts or injuries but had mucus in its eyes and was probably nearly dead, she said.
"There's no way a person should ever be able to catch a redfish that size, who is still breathing, with their bare hands and hang on," Williams said.
Fish and water samples from the St. Johns are being sent to a state lab in St. Petersburg, said Catalina Brown, a scientist who coordinates a state hotline on fish kills at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute.
Water tests can quickly check for some possible causes, such as algae blooms and depleted oxygen levels, she said, but analysis of fish samples could take two weeks.
Oil currently seeping into the Gulf of Mexico is not thought to have played any role in the fish kills.
To report a fish kill, call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's hotline at (800) 636-0511.
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Fish Kills in the St. Johns is, unfortunately, not a new issue
Avondale/Fishweir Creek looking sicker than I have ever witnessed in a decade.Algae.Same goes for the Ortega-Algae globs.We are monitoring a never before seen Bryozoa growth on vessel props and running gear.Ever increasing trash that flows in from select and identified drainage points such as Hamilton Street/public property at Fishweir,the subject of two past Littlepage editorials- the highly touted "River Cleanup Days" but a joke and feel good gesture.In the same department as our recent focus on evil Central Florida's over growth in the midst of our own damaging/mitigated/managed growth that recently sprawled in to regional groundwater recharge area (OakLeaf Beltway) that area River Advocates never got a handle on.John Delaney did thrill some with talk of restoring the river to 'prisitne',the promotion actually a warning to the astute,and soon after,by River Summit # 2 Delaney delivered a sales pitch for surface water drinking supply-the 'Water Transfer" proposal that created the uproar over evil Central Florida.
The River is,so far, a lost cause.
I remember a few years ago I saw what looked like bass floating dead in Doctor's Lake by the hundreds. I assumed high temps, algae bloom, and oxygen depletion to be the cause. I love the river and would hate for it to deteriorate any more.
PS- Bos, do you think it's the Serbs or the Republicans who are killing the fish?
Quote from: Captain Zissou on June 03, 2010, 10:24:49 AM
PS- Bos, do you think it's the Serbs or the Republicans who are killing the fish?
Na man, it was the CIA
Quote from: Captain Zissou on June 03, 2010, 10:24:49 AM
PS- Bos, do you think it's the Serbs or the Republicans who are killing the fish?
It is...us.It's all about us.
And fellow sportsmen even.We let our politics get in the way of resource protection.A selfish sector champions Rodman and fights efforts to restore a major river tributary-and expanded fishing recreation.
Even efforts to get the public involved with the river hands on are limiting.Plenty of concerned public resource users for decades.
Familiarity and enjoyment of resources no guarantee.The Gulf oil 'disaster' originated from "The Sportsmen's State"
Only when all the fish are dead, all the rivers poisoned, and all the trees cut down will we realize we cannot eat money.
This civilization/species is about as 'intelligent' as a snake that eats it's own tail.
North Miami is right,there is little Serb in all of us...well all of you,not me.
You abuse Earth and when it strikes back then you cry.
Quote from: Bostech on June 03, 2010, 11:52:45 AM
North Miami is right,there is little Serb in all of us...well all of you,not me.
You abuse Earth and when it strikes back then you cry.
I can't wait to hear people respond to that gem of an accusation. There should be some fireworks.
Quote from: Captain Zissou on June 03, 2010, 11:59:26 AM
Quote from: Bostech on June 03, 2010, 11:52:45 AM
North Miami is right,there is little Serb in all of us...well all of you,not me.
You abuse Earth and when it strikes back then you cry.
I can't wait to hear people respond to that gem of an accusation. There should be some fireworks.
Other than "North Miami is right" I don't see where there could be any strife with the outlook..........
Lax enforcement of environmental laws means people have just been dumping whatever runoff they want into the river. Probably an algal bloom caused by increased nitrate levels. There are many more species of algae than the "green monster" that all of us are familiar with.
Quote from: RiversideLoki on June 03, 2010, 12:46:05 PM
Lax enforcement of environmental laws means people have just been dumping whatever runoff they want into the river. Probably an algal bloom caused by increased nitrate levels. There are many more species of algae than the "green monster" that all of us are familiar with.
One would think that with all of the high profile River Advocacy and Organization lax enforcement of existing laws would not be an issue.
If it is,why?
And,in the context of "growth",mitigation and growth management could the problem be more vexing than 'enforcement'?
It's a sad observation of mine that all the St. Johns River Keeper can do is jump up and down and wave his hands in the air. People do what they want to do anyways.
For every new environmental law, there will be a new way around it. Laws don't really prevent much--especially with regards to an 'inferior item'. Lakes, rivers, streams, ecosystems do not have 'rights' in the conventional sense. Until they get 'rights' (more than 'protections'), most environmental laws will be futile. Changing the way we look at the environment will take a paradigm shift, and respect for our surroundings.
I think their has been a report that the lady who got out of her kayak to handle the fish now has a few extra toes and burning/boiling lesions on her legs and hands . . . and all of that could have been made up by the government, you decide.
Personnally I'm not goning to panic. I've seen fish kills before. FWC has taken samples and sent the fresh dead off to the lab for analysis. I'm waiting for the report. We just came off of a bad winter for this area. I'm thinking the system is probably still out of balance.
I'm also going to listen to the fisheries biologists report on the radio Saturday.
Quote from: north miami on June 03, 2010, 01:01:41 PM
One would think that with all of the high profile River Advocacy and Organization lax enforcement of existing laws would not be an issue.
If it is,why?
When approximately half the population believes that any action by the government to control private behavior is "socialism," it shouldn't be surprising that lax enforcement of the law results. Just look at the Deepwater Horizon...
Quote from: RiversideLoki on June 03, 2010, 01:07:36 PM
It's a sad observation of mine that all the St. Johns River Keeper can do is jump up and down and wave his hands in the air. People do what they want to do anyways.
And why can we not critique enviro Organization?The attacks have come fronm the despoilers in the past.There is a role in legitimate review.
The RK has offered a thrilling mouthpiece for a frustrated public.Concerns for the Environment are amplified by a large dose of'Angst'.Now what?
There have been reports of RK Publicity Committee.The RK certainly is a favorite of the Florida Times Union.Northeast Florida enviro egos are...sprawling.
All well meaning and my hat is off for the RK.Big learning curve.That bears repeating-big learning curve.
Other key area Organization:
Florida Wildlife Federation Northeast Office has conducted profound unheralded heavy lifting.The Florida Wildlife Federation is our state's affiliate to the National Wildlife Federation.So carefully "mainstream",the well connected Federation(s) are slow to hit the gas and quick to let off but when the pedal hits the medal the resource,and related human interests win.The Northeast office activities,planning advocacy are so helpful and profound to Northeast Florida community one realizes the title "Wildlife" Federation is a bummer.Strong orientation towards nature based outdoor recreation including hunt,fish.
(A couple of years ago the Times Union Outdoor writer Joe Julavitts attacked the Federation as "extremist" and assumed dreaded "Anti" hunt.The backlash was quick and decisive from Jax area certifiable hunt/fish/boat FWF Board members and other elements that could not be denied.I share this as example of the complexity)
Putnam County Environmental Coalition has spearheaded important aspects regarding a major St.Johns system tributary far off the Radar screen for most of us.Not only does the River originate east of Orlando-system headwater roots originate to the west of Orlando too.PCEC could have played a pivotal role in recent 'water wars" had they had the $$$ (notoriety) to intervene. PCEC likely would not have intervened with only the $$ resources the RK had.
So there are many outlooks and approaches.Hind sight sure is crystal clear.
Onward-
Quote from: Captain Zissou on June 03, 2010, 10:24:49 AM
PS- Bos, do you think it's the Serbs or the Republicans who are killing the fish?
lol
Apparently you have so spread millions of gallons of oil to get any sort of environmental disaster warning, pathetic but true.
I have lived about the river for over 30 years and have never seen a fish kill like this in the main river. Something new is amiss this year.
I have observed degradation of the river's grasses (and, I believe, cypress trees in the water) due to what I gather is greater salinity pushing up the river. That, added to the fertilizer concerns, would seem to just overtax the ecosystem at some point. With the increasing value on fresh water, a major initiative to make serious inroads on water withdrawals, fertilizer, and other impacts negative to the river will have to arise.
I wonder, too, how this will dovetail with JPA's desire to dredge the river to 50 feet.
QuoteI wonder, too, how this will dovetail with JPA's desire to dredge the river to 50 feet.
With 60,000 people employed by the port now, and an estimated 100,000 total when the river is at the Post-Panamerican depth. I'd say economics as the 2nd largest employer behind the Navy, will play a large part in this theory.
The major fish kill is from the Green Algae that travels up from the southern ends of the river. That is the fight we should be fighting now, because you can see it is killing everything in its way and sickening people.
But wait there is more...now crabs are dying in river too.
http://www.actionnewsjax.com/content/topstories/story/Fish-kill-dead-crabs-appearing/YLynUV163ECkRag5RQbMbw.cspx
Per Florida Times Union Outdoor section June 6 piece,Dr.Quinton White says this current episode puzzles him.
This year we have witnessed another never before seen- "Bryozoa" growth on the running gear (rudders,propellers) on vessels berthed on the Ortega River.At first glance it looks like corrosion-a bit like a white lichen on tree bark.
Samples were extracted earlier this year,given to Florida Fish & Wildlife who then went to Dr.White.
Although the presence of the growth is not considered harmful in itself,it's presence is considered unusual.
Quote from: mtraininjax on June 07, 2010, 12:10:14 AM
QuoteI wonder, too, how this will dovetail with JPA's desire to dredge the river to 50 feet.
With 60,000 people employed by the port now, and an estimated 100,000 total when the river is at the Post-Panamerican depth. I'd say economics as the 2nd largest employer behind the Navy, will play a large part in this theory.
The major fish kill is from the Green Algae that travels up from the southern ends of the river. That is the fight we should be fighting now, because you can see it is killing everything in its way and sickening people.
Headline: Regional Planning Council,Planners & Consultants reveal ambitious River Plan
Referencing recent Stakeholder activities and fun "Leggo" games,the Northeast Florida Regional Planning Council,side by side with an army of Planners & Consultants announced today a far reaching "Vision" for the main body of the St.Johns River extending from Downtown to Palatka.
Considering the long history of River Advocacy,obstructionist selfish environmentalists, looming embarrassments for politicians and the needs of Inevitable Growth,ambitious plans to fill in and develop the troublesome river were confidently put forth in a meeting with area community leaders and movers.
The NEFRPC Director stated,"It is important that we plan ahead for the future.We have reached critical mass!"(*)
The massive project is expected to produce untold economic benefits in both construction and post construction activities that could equal or exceed the wave of DRI and Sector Plans of the past twenty years.The anticipated multi county tax base expansion alone was warmly embraced by Council County Commissioner representatives and John Thrasher,former Amendment # 4 Hometown Democracy supporters' "Poster Child".Reduced costs in the design construction of the beltway over previously open river waters is just one added bonus.
The economic impact from the displacement of river recreation,fishing and boating will be easily surpassed by the development wave and new jobs.According to one exhaustive study,most people only look at the river,and the rest are proven to accept a constant state of angst and resignation.The existence of Rodman dam on another River tributary was offered as further example.
The Director added,"we will apply long established growth management process,just as we have with forest,agriculture and community fragmentation.We will save remnant features,just as we do with wetland belts and "Cluster".Black Creek,Julington and others are to be preserved."Half a loaf is better than none" he instructed.The Head honcho hinted that the fate of open waters immediate to Downtown Jacksonville might be negotiated through mitigation.It was further pointed out that there are no current plans for expansion-the Intracoastal and Federal waters of the Atlantic are to remain.
All affected county Planning Department Honchos agreed with the concept.The Clay county head reminded everyone that nothiong has changed since the Lake Asbury Sector Plan and their admonishments to the public then that Growth is Inevitable.(*)
Promoters,including the Urban Land Institute point to the positives and are are excited about the potential of putting Northeast Florida 'on the map" as a result of the bold initiative in step with the "Green" revolution.River tidal flow will be directed underground to a patent pending energy production system.
Supporters warned of opposition from waterfront home owners but were confident the Planners & Consultants could deal with the selfish citizens through a proper mix of Stakeholder consensus and other key exercises moderated by former Mayor John Delaney who successfully introduced and sold the concept of surface water drink supply during his River Summit # 2 (*) and then later moderated the NEFRPC "Leggo" (*)fun and games.
-with tongue in creek.......N.M.
(*) actual happenings
who wants sushi?!
^ pre-oiled only
Quote from: north miami on June 07, 2010, 11:32:03 AM
Quote from: mtraininjax on June 07, 2010, 12:10:14 AM
QuoteI wonder, too, how this will dovetail with JPA's desire to dredge the river to 50 feet.
With 60,000 people employed by the port now, and an estimated 100,000 total when the river is at the Post-Panamerican depth. I'd say economics as the 2nd largest employer behind the Navy, will play a large part in this theory.
The major fish kill is from the Green Algae that travels up from the southern ends of the river. That is the fight we should be fighting now, because you can see it is killing everything in its way and sickening people.
Headline: Regional Planning Council,Planners & Consultants reveal ambitious River Plan
Referencing recent Stakeholder activities and fun "Leggo" games,the Northeast Florida Regional Planning Council,side by side with an army of Planners & Consultants announced today a far reaching "Vision" for the main body of the St.Johns River extending from Downtown to Palatka.
Considering the long history of River Advocacy,obstructionist selfish environmentalists, looming embarrassments for politicians and the needs of Inevitable Growth,ambitious plans to fill in and develop the troublesome river were confidently put forth in a meeting with area community leaders and movers.
The NEFRPC Director stated,"It is important that we plan ahead for the future.We have reached critical mass!"(*)
The massive project is expected to produce untold economic benefits in both construction and post construction activities that could equal or exceed the wave of DRI and Sector Plans of the past twenty years.The anticipated multi county tax base expansion alone was warmly embraced by Council County Commissioner representatives and John Thrasher,former Amendment # 4 Hometown Democracy supporters' "Poster Child".Reduced costs in the design construction of the beltway over previously open river waters is just one added bonus.
The economic impact from the displacement of river recreation,fishing and boating will be easily surpassed by the development wave and new jobs.According to one exhaustive study,most people only look at the river,and the rest are proven to accept a constant state of angst and resignation.The existence of Rodman dam on another River tributary was offered as further example.
The Director added,"we will apply long established growth management process,just as we have with forest,agriculture and community fragmentation.We will save remnant features,just as we do with wetland belts and "Cluster".Black Creek,Julington and others are to be preserved."Half a loaf is better than none" he instructed.The Head honcho hinted that the fate of open waters immediate to Downtown Jacksonville might be negotiated through mitigation.It was further pointed out that there are no current plans for expansion-the Intracoastal and Federal waters of the Atlantic are to remain.
All affected county Planning Department Honchos agreed with the concept.The Clay county head reminded everyone that nothing has changed since the Lake Asbury Sector Plan and their admonishments to the public then that Growth is Inevitable.(*)
Promoters,including the Urban Land Institute point to the positives and are are excited about the potential of putting Northeast Florida 'on the map" as a result of the bold initiative in step with the "Green" revolution.River tidal flow will be directed underground to a patent pending energy production system.
Supporters warned of opposition from waterfront home owners but were confident the Planners & Consultants could deal with the selfish citizens through a proper mix of Stakeholder consensus and other key exercises moderated by former Mayor John Delaney who successfully introduced and sold the concept of surface water drink supply during his River Summit # 2 (*) and then later moderated the NEFRPC "Leggo" (*)fun and games.
-with tongue in creek.......N.M.
(*) actual happenings
Just for grins I have read the above Headline: River Plan to some as if for "real" and it is interesting -and concerning- to see the response.Talk about angst and resignation.............
Whats the matter there north miami..........don't you believe what former Mayor Delaney has to say about the situation? I know I don't!!