News Release

for: Week of October 1, 2001

by: Christina M. Verlinde

Marine Extension Agent

Santa Rosa County

In Northwest Florida, we are surrounded by water. Many of us relocate here because of the beauty, recreational, and commercial opportunities our waterbodies offer. When freshwater from river systems in northern parts of our counties mixes with saltwater from the Gulf, an estuary forms. Estuaries range in size from small bayous to the Gulf of Mexico. Local estuaries include: the Santa Rosa Sound; Indian, Hoffman and Williams Bayous, and Blackwater and Pensacola Bays.

Estuaries are important ecological habitats. As tides move in and out, nutrients are carried throughout the system. Estuaries are some of the most biologically productive areas on earth. More than two thirds of commercially important fish and shellfish spend some time in estuaries! Additionally, estuaries provide recreational opportunities such as fishing, swimming, boating, hunting, and wildlife watching. Estuaries support commercial industries such as fisheries and tourism.

The fresh and salt marsh grasses that naturally surround an estuary offer benefits to residents. Marshes absorb excess water from storm events, which means they help prevent flooding! Leaving a natural buffer of marsh plants along the shoreline helps protect the shoreline from wave energy, consequently preventing erosion. These marsh plants also filter toxins out of stormwater runoff, thereby promoting water quality. These natural areas provide habitat for many species of wildlife. Imagine, a nature preserve in your own backyard!

Even if you don't live next to an estuary, your actions at home can have an impact on the waterbodies surrounding us. All of Northwest Florida is a coastal community. Our waterbodies are impacted from many sources. Stormwater runoff carries contaminants from automobiles, yards, and paved surfaces. Harmful pathogens enter waterbodies from malfunctioning septic systems, sewage treatment plants and improperly disposed wastewater from boats. Pollutants from industry may be carried through the air and water.

What can you do to help protect our estuaries?

_ Reduce sediments entering waterbodies. Sedimentation (from erosion) makes the water cloudy, and can smother nesting sites of fish. To reduce erosion, plant native vegetation over bare areas.

_ Don’t litter. Cans, bottles, plastic, cigarette butts and diapers all negatively affect our waterbodies, many of these are recyclable. Used diapers add harmful bacteria to the water. Litter takes away the beauty of a natural system, and is against the law.

_ Think before you pour. What goes down the drain eventually ends up in our waterbodies!

_ Recycle. Recycling reduces need for new landfills. This allows for more natural areas, and less air and water pollution in the production of new materials.

_ Use native plants in your landscape. Native plants are resilient to the natural conditions of our area; therefore they require less maintenance, fertilizers and pesticides. Excess nutrients (from fertilizers) cause algae blooms, which use oxygen and cause fish kills. Pesticides may act the same way in the water as on your lawn- they may kill marine life.

_ After you change the oil in your car, take it to an auto parts store or the county landfill for recycling. A single quart of motor oil can contaminate 250,000 gallons of drinking water; the 4-6 quarts of oil from your car can cause an 8-acre oil slick.

_ Maintain your septic tank. Septic tank leachate can contaminate area waterbodies with harmful pathogens. To maintain the ecology of your septic system avoid using concentrated chemicals. Use biodegradable soaps and detergents.

_ Support local government and take an interest in water quality issues.

Get involved, volunteer or join a local organization that supports water quality issues. Participate in annual events such as the Rivers Clean-up, the International Coastal Clean-up, Earth Day or create your own environmental awareness project!

Chris Verlinde is Marine and Sea Grant Agent for Santa Rosa County.

Extension Service programs are open to all people without regard to race, color, sex, age, handicap or national origin.