In this section

To subscribe to the Indian River Lagoon Update and receive a paper copy in the mail, please send an email to ldennard@sjrwmd.com with your name and mailing address. To be notified when new Update articles are posted to this website, sign up for our RSS feed.

Inside this issue

A second chance

Mats made by volunteers are helping to revive oyster beds.

Message from program director

Summer’s lingering algal bloom caused concern.

Island makeover

Agencies and volunteers return small island to more natural conditions.

Tag funds at work

Local organization benefits from “snook tag” funds, which helps the lagoon.

New faces

Lagoon program has new staff, says farewell to retirees.

Creature feature

Bigclaw snapping shrimp is a powerhouse of the sea.

Fall/winter 2011

Volunteers giving Mosquito Lagoon oyster reefs a second chance

Students and adults have participated in making and distributing oyster mats in the lagoon. After students have assembled the mats (top), other volunteers (bottom) install the mats in reef restoration areas.

Photos provided by Anne Birch

Mosquito Lagoon’s oyster reefs are on the mend, thanks to the labor of thousands of volunteers and a clever invention known as an “oyster mat.”

The humble oyster plays a key role in the health of the lagoon, filtering its estuarine waters, stabilizing eroding shorelines and providing food and shelter for more than 140 different species. The troubling news is that oyster reefs are disappearing. Globally, oyster reefs have declined by at least 85 percent and are now considered one of the most imperiled marine habitats. Many of the lagoon’s oyster reefs are threatened due to constant wakes from boats.

“Boat wakes dislodge oysters from the reefs,” says Belhaim “Frank” Sakuma, Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program project administrator, who has helped install oyster mats in the lagoon. “The oysters tumble on one another and create mounds that become exposed above the high-tide mark. The exposed oysters die, and you end up with barren shells that create the bleached-out, dead margins we see exposed at the top of a reef.”

The good news is that people can make a big difference in helping to restore oyster populations and the reefs they build, says Anne Birch with The Nature Conservancy. The Nature Conservancy, together with Dr. Linda Walters, of the University of Central Florida (UCF), have been leading the charge since 2005. Their efforts involve collaborating with many partners such as the lagoon program and Brevard Zoo.

Walters, through trial and error, developed “oyster restoration mats” as a way to improve the survival rate of oysters in the lagoon. The mats are squares of aquaculture-grade plastic mesh with oyster shells cable-tied in the same orientation as live oysters on reefs. The mats are weighted and placed over the top of a reef after the dead material has been removed to help provide a home for new oysters to attach and flourish.

Since 2005, 42 reefs have been restored using the oyster mat method, with an additional 13 projects planned for the 2011–2012 fiscal year. The project is possible with the help of more than 20,000 volunteers.

“The Nature Conservancy has a fantastic ability to mobilize volunteers,” Sakuma says. “When we were helping out at one of the sites, there were about 20 people each day. There were restaurant employees, UCF students, local anglers and even members of the U.S. Navy helping out.”

Since the project’s inception, the lagoon program has contributed more than $172,000 in funding and in-kind services.

To volunteer, contact Jody Palmer at Brevard Zoo at JPalmer@brevardzoo.org.

Director’s Column

Lagoon fish kills attributed to lingering algal bloom

Troy Rice

Director,
Indian River Lagoon
National Estuary Program

In July 2011, Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute received reports of several fish kills in the Indian River Lagoon (IRL) and Banana River Lagoon (BRL). The die-offs were attributed to reduced dissolved oxygen levels in the estuary, resulting from a phytoplankton (microscopic algae in the water column) bloom that persisted for more than three months in the northern and central IRL, the Barge Canal and the BRL.

Concern arose in April 2011, when the lagoons’ waters turned murky and green. Samples collected at that time showed extremely high densities of microflagellate phytoplankton in the BRL, Barge Canal and in the waters near Titusville. While algal blooms occur in the lagoon and many of Florida’s coastal estuaries, this bloom raised concerns because of its intensity, the large area it encompassed and its continuing persistence over several months.

The timing of the bloom during the spring seagrass growing season may have potentially affected the lagoon’s seagrass communities, which are critical elements of the ecosystem and a principal indicator of the lagoon’s environmental health. The intensity of the algal bloom greatly reduced the amount of light reaching the seagrass community, compromising the health of seagrass beds. In fact, declines in seagrass bed lengths of up to 50 percent have already been observed at some seagrass monitoring locations in the northern IRL and BRL.

Several species of microflagellates algae were observed in the scanning electron microscopy imaging conducted by the University of Florida, showing the whip-like tail of these two samples.

Photos provided by the University of Florida

As the bloom persisted, lagoon scientists needed to know if it was a harmful algal bloom that could potentially damage fisheries and cause illness in people who recreate on the lagoon.

Professor Edward Phlips and Susan Badylak, algal experts at the University of Florida’s Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences Program, studied samples collected by St. Johns River Water Management District scientists. Through the university’s Interdisciplinary Center for Biotechnology Research bioimaging laboratory, the samples underwent transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The SEM images confirmed the presence of high densities of the algal species chlorophytes, cyanobacteria and haptophytes. The most abundant species was a small planktonic green alga, with a single whip-like tail (called a flagella). Dense in number (800 million cells per liter), the cells had a peculiar swimming pattern: short, jerky, forward movements followed by stationary periods when the flagella relaxed in a coiled configuration above the cell. Based on these characteristics, Phlips and Badylak identified the genus of the algae as Resultor sp., a species within the chlorophyte group Pedinophyceae. The SEM images were also sent to the world’s expert on this group of microflagellates, Professor Øjvind Moestrup with the University of Copenhagen, who supported the identification.

Fortunately, Resultor sp., which has also been reported in the seas of Norway, Denmark, Australia and Japan, is not known to be toxic; however, high densities of Resultor sp. can reduce oxygen levels and the amount of light passing through the water, potentially impacting the health of an ecosystem.

A green discoloration in the water is one sign that an area has an algal bloom problem.

Additional algal species were also present in the collected samples, though at much lower densities than Resultor sp. Chrysochromulina A, for example, has been found in Florida estuaries, and while some species of this planktonic algae are known to produce toxins resulting in mass marine fauna mortalities, it is not known if the species observed in this bloom are toxic.

The algal bloom of summer 2011 is considered a major bloom, according to the long-term phytoplankton record for the lagoon established by Phlips, in cooperation with his colleagues at the District and Florida Wildlife Research Institute. In fact, according to Phlips, the longevity, intensity and spatial scope of the 2011 microflagellate bloom rivaled the typically end-of-summer/early fall blooms of the toxic dinoflagellate Pyrodinium bahamense, observed over the past 14 years in the north end of the lagoon.

“We continue to monitor this bloom very closely. Should current bloom conditions persist or intensify and lead to further reductions in water clarity and oxygen levels, we could expect greater impacts to the lagoon’s seagrasses and fish communities,” said Dr. Margaret Lasi, an environmental scientist with the District.

While it is not yet clear what specifically triggered the summer algal bloom, nutrients associated with stormwater runoff from roads, yards, homes and agricultural fields are a contributing factor. Reducing the use of and proper application of fertilizers and pesticides at home may help to reduce the occurrence of future algal blooms and will help to protect the lagoon’s water quality and seagrasses.

A lagoon island gets a makeover

A group of visitors tour the newly restored spoil island in the Indian River Lagoon in St. Lucie County.

Invasive vegetation and mosquitoes have for years plagued the peanut-shaped island in St. Lucie County, hardly making it the idyllic camping spot for adventure seekers in the Indian River Lagoon.

Thanks to the efforts of several agencies and hundreds of volunteers, the 5.8-acre island known as SL3 (the moniker denoting the island’s St. Lucie County location in the lagoon) now teems with nature trails, fledgling native plants and trees, and fewer mosquitoes because of a new drainage swale that flushes an interior wetland.

“The island has undergone a total transformation,” says Marc Virgilio, an ecologist with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Indian River Lagoon Aquatic Preserves program. “The island was predominantly invasive species; Brazilian pepper and Australian pine. The trails were choked with vegetation. It was a nasty scene.”

Of the 137 islands in the lagoon, the Aquatic Preserves program manages 124, with oversight from the Florida Inland Navigation District. Virgilio is also the coordinator for the Spoil Island Working Group, an assemblage of federal, state, and county government agencies and six nongovernmental organizations, which coordinates efforts toward managing the spoil islands for recreational and environmental interests. The heart of the working group is a dedicated contingent of volunteers of all ages who participate in spoil island restoration and cleanup events throughout the year.

The work on SL3 was done in two phases; the first employing contractors with heavy machinery. The contractors cleared the island of exotic species, planted the upland native plants, mulched and dug the swale. The swale was graded and stabilized with coconut fiber logs. The biodegradable logs stabilize the shoreline until vegetation takes root.

Aquatic Preserves staff and volunteers then took the reins and planted shoreline grass to prevent erosion and foster mangrove recruitment, watered plants, repaired picnic tables and dug out the entrance of the swale after wave action had filled it with silt. By October 2010, 129 volunteers had contributed a total of 515 service hours.

“The interior of the island was filled with standing water that served as a mosquito breeding ground,” Virgilio says. “The swale allows water to be flushed from the interior wetland to the lagoon.”

Volunteers included Merritt Island High School students, Environmental Learning Center’s Junior Interpreters in Wabasso and an area Police Athletic League.

“We were at capacity for every event,” Virgilio says. “Members of the Moorings Yacht Club also adopted the island. They conduct a minimum of four cleanups a year.”

Project funding partners included St. Lucie County, the Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program through the St. Johns River Water Management District, Fish America Foundation, National Association of Counties Coastal Counties Restoration Initiative, and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

“Since the project’s completion, the new plants are doing well, with some species beginning to seed,” Virgilio says. “We now have two new residents on the island — a red-bellied woodpecker and a screech owl.”

Snook tag funds help organization clean up lagoon

Monofilament fishing line, casting nets, abandoned traps, batteries, tires, construction debris, chains, anchors, bottles and cans are just a sampling of the miscellaneous items the Marine Cleanup Initiative Inc. (MCII) has removed from the Indian River Lagoon since the organization’s inception in 2001.

A carpet roll (top) and metal rackets (bottom) are among the debris removed from the Indian River Lagoon.

Photos provided by Donald Voss

Some of the debris is from carelessness; other times, it may be the submerged remnants of a hurricane, says Capt. Donald Voss, MCII operations director. Cleanups can be an arduous task, but the group’s efforts of improving the health of the 156-mile-long estuary received a financial boost this year from the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD).

In February 2011, SFWMD provided funding to MCII’s cleanup efforts through the Indian River Lagoon “snook” license plate program. Motorists who purchase the tag are helping to directly fund lagoon projects, such as the reconnection of impounded salt marshes, shoreline stabilization, mangrove and spoil island restoration, treatment of stormwater runoff, and in this case, lagoon cleanups.

MCII received two grants from SFWMD — one for debris removal in St. Lucie County for $55,000 and one in Martin County for $65,000. The respective counties provided a total of $60,000 in matching funds for the one-year contract.

“Through this input of funds, we’ve surpassed the 200,000-pound mark, which tripled our collection volume of debris removed over the previous eight years,” says Voss. “We expect to exceed 300,000 pounds by the year’s end. After operating for eight years on just donations, it is now possible to own and operate a vessel, fuel it to capacity and spend most days a month searching, charting and then removing these materials that harm our estuary.”

Channel Cat, MCII’s red and gray work vessel, has become an increasingly visible representation of the group’s ongoing efforts to remove debris from the estuary, including derelict vessels. MCII pays particular attention to the removal of casting nets and abandoned traps that are a huge part of the “ghost fishing” program. Traps and nets can survive for decades.

“As we work our way south into Martin County and beyond, we hope citizens understand the importance of packing out their trash and fishing debris rather than just tossing it overboard,” Voss says. “Our motto, ‘Out of sight doesn’t make it right,’ is a phrase to consider by all. If we all clean up after ourselves and encourage others to do the same, MCII can continue to get the large stuff out and our aquatic life can mature and flourish.”

For boaters and others who find large debris while out on the water, Voss recommends writing down the global positioning system coordinates and reporting it to MCII or the Florida Marine Patrol for documentation, inspection and removal.

Visit MCII’s website to learn more about MCII and opportunities to assist.

Leadership and staff changes announced

Retirements and other staffing changes are bringing new leadership to the Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program (NEP).

After 20 years of co-chairing the Indian River Lagoon Advisory Board, Stallings Howell, chief of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 4 Drinking Water Division, retired from the agency in June. Vivian Garfein, the board’s co-chair, retires this fall as Central District director of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

“Both Vivian and Stallings’ leadership and friendship will be missed, and we wish them all the best in their retirements,” says Troy Rice, director of the lagoon NEP.

Lauren Hall, a St. Johns District scientist, inspects a seagrass sample.

Also among staffing changes in the lagoon program this fall is the departure of Kathy Recore. “Kathy has been with the program for 20 years, and her friendly, customer-service-first attitude and organizational skills planning our Advisory Board meetings will be missed. We wish her success,” says Rice.

Another change is Bob Day, a lagoon project scientist, who retired in July. Day was a principal author of the 1996 Indian River Lagoon Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan and the 2008 update; an editor and author of many lagoon publications, a research project manager, and a primary staff support for the lagoon program’s Technical Advisory Board.

“Bob knows more about the lagoon and the projects that have been implemented in the estuary over the past 20-plus years than many managers combined,” says Rice. “We thank Bob for his 20 years of work with the NEP and wish him a very happy retirement paddling his kayaks around the lagoon.”

Day’s successor is Charles “Chuck” Jacoby.

“Chuck is looking forward to returning to work in the Indian River Lagoon,” Rice says. “It is the site of his first job as a postdoctoral fellow and then research associate at Harbor Branch.”

Jacoby joins the NEP, relocating from the St. Johns River Water Management District Lower St. Johns River Basin Program, where he oversaw the Natural Systems Subprogram.

Jacoby holds bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees in the biological sciences and a Master’s of Business Administration. In addition to Florida, he has worked in California, the Bahamas, Australia and New Zealand. His research has led to publications on numerous components of estuarine, coastal and deepwater marine systems, including water quality, sediment pore water, algae, seagrasses, saltmarsh, plankton, invertebrates and fish.

“I look forward to joining the lagoon program because it offers an opportunity to add value to an active and successful partnership,” Jacoby says. “I also look forward to getting reacquainted with the lagoon, its ecology and the management efforts that are in place.”

Also reassigned to the NEP are Lauren Hall and Janice Miller, environmental scientists, who are joining the lagoon program from other District programs. Hall and Miller will continue gathering water quality and seagrass data throughout the lagoon.

Shrimp uses a bubble and speed to kill prey

The bigclaw snapping shrimp is a large and colorful shrimp whose claw snap can break a small jar or even aquarium glass.

Photo provided by The Southeastern Regional Taxonomic Center, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources

The bigclaw snapping shrimp is arguably the closest thing to an Indian River Lagoon denizen, seemingly gifted with superpowers.

One of 11 species of snapping shrimp in the lagoon, the bigclaw snapping shrimp (Alpheus heterochaelis) is the largest and most colorful member of the pistol shrimp family in the southeastern United States. A mere two inches in length, the bigclaw is typically a translucent green hue, marked by bright orange and blue along its legs, claws and tip of the tail.

Bigclaws are easily identified by the greatly enlarged snapping claw, used in displays of threat to other snapping shrimp, self defense, and most important, in stunning and killing prey. The snapping claw of the bigclaw may grow to half its total body length and is located on either arm of the body.

The bigclaw’s diet isn’t remarkable. It subsists primarily on a variety of worms, small fishes and other crustaceans. However, it is the actual feeding behavior of the bigclaw snapping shrimp that has made it a superpower. While the concussive force generated by its claw snap is sufficient to stun or kill small prey at close distance, the snaps produced by large shrimp are strong enough to break small glass jars or even aquarium glass.

It was believed that the sound was produced by the rapid closing of the claw in motion. However, high-speed imaging has revealed a number of surprising findings. Snapping is accomplished by a shrimp’s cocking open the moveable part of its claw, referred to as the “plunger,” and building tension in a second muscle. When this muscle contracts, the plunger snaps into a socket in the fixed portion of the claw, an action among the fastest ever recorded in the animal kingdom. A jet of water is displaced from the socket and released at speeds of up to 62 miles per hour, producing a cavitation bubble capable of killing nearby prey.

The bubble is extremely short-lived and collapses by imploding within 300 microseconds of formation. The implosion produces not only a snapping sound, but also a brief and intense flash of light. Analysis of shrimp bioluminescence, or shrimpoluminescence as it has been dubbed by researchers, revealed that extreme pressure and temperature conditions exist at the time of bubble collapse, with one author indicating that temperatures around the cavitation bubble is about 5,000 degrees Kelvin (or 8,540 degrees Farenheit).