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River report: temperatures normal, no harmful algal blooms; two recent manatee deaths noted
Summary
Dr. Pinto provided the Jacksonville Waterways Commission on April 10 with routine river monitoring data showing normal temperatures and salinity readings and reported two recent manatee deaths: one perinatal carcass found near Big Fishingway Creek and one animal crushed in a lock in Clay County.
Dr. Pinto (listed on the meeting attendance roster) provided the Waterways Commission with a routine river conditions update on April 10, reporting typical seasonal temperatures and salinity measurements and noting two recent manatee deaths.
Dr. Pinto reported water temperatures around 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit and salinity readings ranging from about 23–33 parts per thousand at Mayport to 1–4 parts per thousand at Buckman, with intermediate readings at Dames Point, Jacksonville University and downtown monitoring locations. "Water level's pretty normal, not really that elevated," Pinto said, and staff found no harmful algal bloom toxins in recent samples, though "lots of mixed algae" were present in the estuary.
Pinto told commissioners the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) had been alerted to two recent manatee deaths: a perinatal carcass discovered near Big Fishingway Creek (decomposed and with an undetermined cause) and a separate fatality in Clay County in which an animal was crushed in a lock on the Cross Florida Barge Canal. Pinto said aerial surveys will resume this month after maintenance grounded the program earlier.
Pinto encouraged the public to use the commission's posted QR code to upload manatee and other wildlife sightings to the city website and solicited feedback on the reporting tool.
No commission action was taken; Pinto's update was presented for information and follow-up questions were answered by staff.
