The Sarasota Bay Estuary Program reports a 50% reduction in nitrogen pollution and seagrass levels that are 30% above 1950s levels in Sarasota Bay.
In 1995, the estuary program set a goal of reducing nitrogen by 48% in the Sarasota Bay community with the intent of reestablishing seagrass in the bay.
To date, the estuary program reports about 4,040 acres of new seagrass habitat have been created with an additional 5,158 acres converted from patchy seagrasses to continuous covering beds in Sarasota Bay.
Seagrass recovery is listed as a major element of the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program's Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan for Sarasota Bay.
Scallops also returned to Sarasota Bay in 2008, the estuary program reports. And stormwater projects also have been implemented regionally to reduce pollution. Citizens Action Plans also have been developed and implemented annually by the Citizens Action Committee supporting pollution reduction.
Contact Kurt Schultheis at kschultheis@yourobserver.com.
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Hat's off to Dee Pelton, volunteers
05/15/13
Dee Pelton held a luncheon that will be tough to top. -
Youth sailors descend on City Island
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Approximately 250 people hit the water Saturday, April 20 through Sunday, April 21, for Sailfest. The regatta, Sarasota Youth Sailing's biggest fundraiser of the year, included four classes of competition — Optimus, 420, Laser and Multi-hull — and a barbecue feast. -
Book club sunsets for the season
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The Sunset Beach Book Club, in its 10th year, ended this season with a luncheon and discussion of the book “Gone Girl,” by Gillian Flynn, April 18, at Lazy Lobster. Discussion moderator was Ricki Carroll. Together, the group read five books this season.
