A.
Discuss a local challenge that impacts the environment and requires a solution
A local challenge that has an impact on the environment is the outbreak of the algae known as Lyngbya
(Ling-bee-ah). Lyngbya is a toxic algae that harms plants and animal within the water ways especially the
manatees that are known to reside in the Crystal river water ways such as Kings Bay.
This is a local
challenge as native plants and eelgrasses can’t grow due to the blocking of sunlight among other things.
Many animals such as manatees, turtles and other mammals are suffering due to the eelgrass being killed.
This algae is also very toxic to animals like the manatees if eaten.
This challenge is caused by human activities. This outbreak started in the 1960s when homes
where starting to be built on the waterfront causing a change in water circulation, reduced the amount of
natural wetlands[ CITATION WED23 \l 1033 ]. This created the perfect habitat for the algae Lyngbya to
bloom.
This challenge impacts the local environment because it kills the eelgrass which is an important
plant for the entire ecosystem. Eelgrass gives oxygen to the water, and feeds many animals including the
manatees. Lyngbya depletes oxygen available in the water which leads to the killing of fish and loss of
habitat of fish, shellfish and crabs.
Lyngbya is also toxic to humans as well has the environment and natural populations. Lyngbya
algae can effect human health. It effects humans by irritation of the eye, skin and respiratory. Lyngbya
can also cause swelling, abdominal pain, inflammation of the mouth, esophagus and stomach. If
swallowed Lyngbya can cause Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, headaches, and dizziness as well as, having a
high heart rate and a fever[ CITATION Wor22 \l 1033 ].
On January 10
th
, 2019 Gov. Ron DeSantis sign executive order 19-12. This is a new policy that
implements major reforms to ensure the protection of Florida’s environment and water
quality[ CITATION Sta19 \l 1033 ]. One of the policies was to establish a blue-green algae task force-
with the focus on expediting progress towards the reduction of the impact of the algae blooms now and
over the next five years. Another policy is to engage local governments, industries and citizens through
education and outreach campaigns that focus on the importance of conservation and reuse efforts.
[ CITATION Sta19 \l 1033 ]
B.
Describe a potential solution for the selected environmental challenge.
A potential solution is to vacuum up the lyngbya using a specially designed underwater vacuum.
This vacuum is designed to suck up the lyngbya and other0 “muck” without disturbing the natural sand
sediment found on the bottom. On the other end of the vacuum is mechanical separator located on the
shore. This machine separates the lyngbya, trash and other much from the water. The water then
processes through a filter which removes about 50% nitrogen and 95% phosphorus from the
water[ CITATION KBR22 \l 1033 ]. At the end, the clean water is then returned back to the ecosystem.
An ethical issue that can arise from the lyngbya being removed is the increase activity with the
manatees. Having lyngbya being removed, Manatees have more food like eelgrass which increases
manatee traffic through out Kings Bay in Crystal River. The Ethical challenge is with an increase of
Manatees will result in an increase in humans wanting to swim with them. The ethical question should be
asked is it okay to swim with an endangered animal, is it ethically right to make money off animals that
should be left alone.
An international concern with lyngbya is that it doesn’t just effect our tiny town. Lygnbya is a
problem all over the world. This is an international concern, because if the effects are this drastic on my
tiny town, imagine the impact of it in other places with larger ecosystems that depend on the eelgrass to
survive. Lygnbya is harmful to the environment anywhere in the world. It produces toxins, uses up the
oxygen within the water and can release harmful gases. If the lyngbya continues to grow unchecked,
ecosystems will start to fail and lead to a global crisis. Without ecosystems, nothing can continue to live.
