FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEFriday, September 11, 2020 3:53 PM
BREVARD COUNTY, FL. – Cloud coverage and algae blooms in the Indian River Lagoon pose an elevated risk for fish kills, but Mother Nature could generate winds and rain this weekend that could help offset a potential crisis similar to one the County experienced in 2016 and 2018, according to Brevard County Natural Resources Management officials.
A cloudy weekend on tap could significantly increase potential for a large fish kill, a situation that is being closely monitored by multiple local, County and state agencies that have responded in past years to major fish kills on the lagoon. There currently are several types of algae blooming in the lagoon, which is evident in areas of the lagoon that have turned the color of pea soup.
“Now that we are in the warm and wet hurricane season, each heavy rain carries excess nutrients from fertilizer and grass clippings off peoples’ lawns and into the lagoon,” said Virginia Barker, director of Brevard County natural Resources Management. “Rain that soaks into the ground picks up pollution from the septic drain fields and broken sewer pipes and also migrates sideways underground to the lagoon. These extra nutrients from our yards overfeed the algae that is naturally living in the water.”