The Nature Coast Coalition strives to unite communities and organizations along Florida's Nature Coast to protect these last, best places in our state. Help us share information and resources that help us work together to conserve our natural heritage.
The Florida Coastal and Ocean Coalition held a successful conference on Friday, June 18 at the Hotel Duval in Tallahassee. Over 100 people from various scientific, policy, and advocacy organizations met to address Florida’s coastal and ocean plans for ecosystem based management.
The keynote speaker, Dr. Larry Crowder of the Duke University Ocean Ecology and Conservation Lab, warned of fish kills that could threaten the Nature Coast, and many parts of coastal Florida. Scientists fear the role that dispersants contribute to increasing benthic anaerobic levels. The oxygen-deprived waters at the bottom will eventually come to the surface through upwelling currents that will affect adversely affect coastal waters already under stress from nitrogen pollution.
Crowder also commented on the impact of the oil spill and dispersant pollution on spawning species in the Gulf.
The Gulf of Mexico is home to one of two spawning areas in the entire world for Atlantic bluefin tuna, and some of the worst damage inflicted to this species may never be seen.
“We won’t see dead bluefin larvae washing up on the beaches,” said Dr. Crowder.
Groups like Gulf Restoration Network, working with the Nature Coast Coalition, have demanded that EPA limit its use of dispersant until more is known about its impact on the environment.
