VIDEO: Brown water lines Sanibel shoreline after Lake O water release

SANIBEL, Fla. – A resurgence of murky, brown water to Southwest Florida shorelines has both scientists and local businesses concerned.

For Ralph Woodring the dark water, caused by discharge from Lake Okechobee, presents a threat to the livelihood of his business: he catches fish and live bait. He owns Bait Box in Sanibel and said business has been cut in half since the water arrived.

“Most of the people that are here this time of the year look to clean water, clear water and that is something we sure as hell don’t have,” Woodring said.

Record rains have prompted authorities to release lake waters in order to decrease dam pressure. But for scientist Rick Bartleson, the resulting murky water presents a challenge to Southwest Florida ecosystems. The dark water prevents light from reaching plants at the bottom of the gulf, which in turn affects marine life.

The fresh water from Lake Okechobee also provides nutrients for red tide blooms — a problem that may arise in the near future, Bartleson said. Residents may see and smell dead sea grass on Southwest Florida beaches if the rush of freshwater from the lake persists.