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Jacksonville scientist reports normal salinity, low toxins and recent manatee deaths on St. Johns River
Summary
Dr. Jerry Pinto told the Jacksonville Waterways Commission on Aug. 13 that salinities and harmful-algae-toxin levels in much of the St. Johns River are near normal but that the commission should watch localized blooms and recent manatee mortalities, including a probable channel-lock death.
Dr. Jerry Pinto, a researcher at Jacksonville University, told the Jacksonville Waterways Commission on Aug. 13 that salinity and temperature patterns in the St. Johns River are within expected ranges for this rainy season but that localized harmful-algae blooms and a recent cluster of manatee deaths merit continued monitoring.
Pinto said salinity at Mayport measured about 18 to 22 parts per thousand, slightly lower than normal at that station, and that rainfall in Duval County was roughly 2 inches above normal for the period. "These high temperatures and rain kind of come together to bring conditions that might promote algae blooms," Pinto said.
Why it matters: manatee mortalities and algae blooms can signal larger ecosystem stress and affect recreational use of the river, commercial activity and local wildlife management decisions.
Pinto reported approximately five manatee deaths since the commission's previous meeting in…
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