Fact Sheet
The increasing environmental issue of algae blooms in our community significantly impacts the welfare of manatees and produces disturbances in aquatic ecosystems. Algal blooms, caused mainly by the discharge of pollutants and runoff, present a significant menace to water quality. The introduction of nitrogen and phosphorus-rich fertilizers into rivers is a considerable factor that accelerates the rapid growth of algae (Hieb et al., 2021). The algae create a layer on the surface of the water, which acts as a barrier, preventing sunlight and oxygen from reaching the plants and organisms below, causing harm to them. Significantly, this encompasses seagrasses essential to manatees for their nourishment and survival.
The pollution of waterways is worsened by the release of waste from septic tanks, which adds to the difficulties in controlling where the waste goes. This intricate matter necessitates immediate attention and collective effort from the community to alleviate its repercussions on our valuable aquatic ecosystems.
Algae blooms primarily occur due to runoff and pollution, with fertilizers serving as a significant supply of nitrogen and phosphorus in water bodies. The excessive release of these compounds disturbs the natural equilibrium, leading to favorable conditions for the accelerated proliferation of algae (Broadwater et al., 2018). The complex network of interconnected ecosystems, which includes the vital seagrass beds, experiences immediate repercussions that impact the well-being of manatees.
The presence of algal layers on the surface of the water impedes the penetration of sunlight and oxygen, resulting in the formation of “dead zones” that inhibit the growth of seagrasses. Manatees, which are herbivorous and rely on seagrasses as their primary food source, are experiencing a declining food supply (Broadwater et al., 2018). The consequences for manatees are far-reaching, as disturbances in their habitat have a ripple effect on the entire aquatic environment.
The problem is exacerbated by the runoff of fertilizers and the discharge from septic tanks, which makes it challenging to control waste and safeguard water quality. It is essential to decrease the amount of nutrient-rich runoff and improve wastewater management to tackle the underlying causes of algal blooms effectively (Hieb et al., 2021).
Residents are advised to take proactive measures to address and reduce the impact of algal blooms on manatees and aquatic ecosystems. Individuals can make a tangible impact on water quality and the welfare of manatees by adopting specific measures such as reducing fertilizer usage, implementing erosion management strategies, and regularly maintaining septic tanks.
Memo Highlights
The community is facing a substantial environmental issue as algae blooms are negatively impacting manatees due to water pollution. To efficiently spread information, the fact sheet will be extensively circulated through community centers, local clinics, and online platforms, guaranteeing accessibility for our broad audience. We have considered our community’s varied linguistic and cultural backgrounds by including visually engaging components and translations into regularly spoken languages.
We suggest implementing a complete methodology to assess the effectiveness of our educational project. Initially, we will monitor the dissemination of the fact sheet to evaluate its extent and influence. In addition, both pre-and post-distribution surveys will enable us to assess alterations in public knowledge and behavior (Broadwater et al., 2018). Community forums will be arranged to promote input, cultivate a bidirectional communication line, and provide vital insights for future actions.
Through implementing these measures, our goal is to equip residents with the essential knowledge and resources to actively participate in reducing the impact of algal blooms on manatees and preserving the overall quality of our waterways (Broadwater et al., 2018). Through promoting consciousness and active participation within the community, we aim to cultivate a more robust and knowledgeable population capable of making constructive contributions to the ecological welfare of our community.
References
Broadwater, M. H., Van Dolah, F. M., & Fire, S. E. (2018). Vulnerabilities of marine mammals to harmful algal blooms. Harmful algal blooms: A Compendium Desk Reference, 191-222. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781118994672.ch5
Hieb, E. E., Eniang, E. A., Keith‐Diagne, L. W., & Carmichael, R. H. (2021). In‐water bridge construction effects on manatees with implications for marine megafauna species. The Journal of Wildlife Management, 85(4), 674-685. https://doi.org/10.1002/jwmg.22030
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