The St. Johns River is Florida’s longest river, flowing through 12 counties and stretching over 310 miles. The river’s headwaters in Indian River County sit 27 feet higher than its endpoint in Jacksonville, resulting in a slow, northward flow.
What is going on?
Harmful algae blooms are increasing in duration and frequency, threatening both the river’s diverse ecosystem and public health. Excessive levels of nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus are feeding these blooms that block sunlight to underwater plants, cause large fish kills, and lead to oxygen depletion in the ecosystem.
This year, the The Florida Department of Health (FDOH) in Duval County issued its first blue-green algae health alert in nearly two years for the St. Johns River. Though this alert was lifted on Nov.1, algal blooms remain a growing concern due to pollutants and warmer temperatures.
Why it matters.
Although the St.Johns is known as one of the “ laziest rivers” due to its slow flow, we can’t afford to be lazy in our efforts to protect it. The St. Johns River is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including manatees, migratory birds, and over 200 species of fish.
Harmful algal blooms in the St. Johns River are causing a sharp decline in submerged aquatic vegetation, reducing crucial habitat space and food sources for native species such as the manatee.
A decline in the river’s health threatens both the region’s delicate ecosystems and its economy.
The St.Johns river not only supports biodiversity but provides billions of dollars in economic impact and ecosystem services, benefiting local communities that rely on it for flood mitigation, recreation, fishing, and tourism.
What you can do
- Reduce Fertilizer Use: Limit nitrogen and phosphorus use, especially near water sources to prevent nutrient runoff. For guidance on proper fertilization, visit the University of Florida IFAS Extension’s fertilizer best practices.
- Join Local Cleanups & Properly Dispose of Pet Waste: Support conservation efforts like those organized by the St. Johns Riverkeeper and prevent pollution by composting pet waste to prevent runoff pollution in local waterways.
- Use less water: Avoid chemical runoff by having a regular professional inspection of your septic and stormwater systems.
- Reduce Electricity Consumption: Since power plants withdraw water for cooling, reducing your usage helps mitigate the impact on the river.
- Report Algal Blooms: If you see algae, report it through the Florida DEP’s Algal Bloom Monitoring and Response System.
- Stay Informed: Sign up for water quality alerts and public health updates through Protecting Florida Together, and learn more about protecting our waterways.
Information from The St.Johns Riverkeeper, The Florida Times Union, The Florida Department of Health (FDOH), UF IFAS Extension and Jacksonville University. Images from Canva Pro and Pixabay.