Scientists: ‘Lake O’ releases still high ahead of spawning

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FORT MYERS, Fla. – Water releases from Lake Okeechobee are still pushing too much water into the Caloosahatchee River, scientists said in a report Wednesday night.

The purpose of the report is to assess conditions in the Caloosahatchee River and its estuary. According to scientists, the water releases are high even as “lake water levels continue to recede.” Water levels at Lake Okeechobee have lowered for seven consecutive weeks, the report said.

The main concern is the health of the estuary, which is receiving 72 percent of its incoming water from lake discharges, scientist said. The water flow into the estuary exceeds scientists’ recommendations at an average of 3,039 cubic feet per second.

Findings found that the salinity was too low in many parts of the Caloosahatchee River. Near McIntyre Creek and Tarpon Bay, scientist found that salinity was at a record low that will impact the survival of sea grass. No samples of red tide were reported.

Their recommendation for immediate implementation is to reduce the water releases to 2,800 cubic feet per second, which they say is critical to save eggs and larvae in the estuary.

 

 

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