Florida Bay is a triangularly shaped estuary that lies between the southern tip of the Florida mainland and the Florida Keys. Until recently, this subtropical estuary was noted for its clear, shallow waters, lush seagrass beds and outstanding fishing. However, starting in the 1980's, dramatic changes in Florida Bay's ecology began to manifest themselves. These changes include:
widespread death of seagrass beds;
turbid water associated with this die-off;
large and sustained algal blooms;
sponge deaths near the Florida Keys.
It is generally assumed that Florida Bay's decline is caused by a long-term increase in salinity that is probably the result of the upstream diversion of fresh water flows away from Florida Bay -- via C&SF canals, increased use of water upstream and by construction changes, such as railroads and highways, which have caused changes in the circulation and distribution of water; and development throughout the region, which likely adds nutrients and pollutants to the mix. Currently, experts are studying all of these, and other aspects which may have an impact on the restoration of fresh water flow to Florida Bay.
Big Cypress Basin
Florida Bay
