Fish dying in St.Johns river

[JaxNative68]

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.

[Overstreet]

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.

[finehoe]

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...

[north miami]

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-

[Coolyfett]

PS- Bos, do you think it's the Serbs or the Republicans who are killing the fish?

lol

[mtraininjax]

Apparently you have so spread millions of gallons of oil to get any sort of environmental disaster warning, pathetic but true.

[stjr]

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.

[mtraininjax]

I 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.

[Bostech]

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

[north miami]

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.

[north miami]

I 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

[reednavy]

who wants sushi?!

[JaxNative68]

^ pre-oiled only

[north miami]

I 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.............

[CS Foltz]

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!!