SFWMD Weekly Environmental Conditions Reports Lake Okeechobee: SFWMD reported on February 1, 2023 “Lake Okeechobee stage was 16.02 feet NGVD on January 29, 2023, which is 0.07 feet lower than the previous week and 0.34 feet lower than a month ago (Figure LO-1). Lake stage remained in the Intermediate sub-band and was 0.75 feet above the upper limit of the ecological envelope. This is the third year in a row Lake stages have exceeded 16.0 feet NGVD in the fall or winter season. According to NEXRAD, 0.34 inches of rain fell directly on the Lake last week. Average daily inflows (excluding rainfall) were like the previous week. Average daily outflows (excluding evapotranspiration) increased from the previous week. The most recent satellite image (January 29, 2023) from NOAA’s Harmful Algal Bloom Monitoring System showed low bloom potential across much of the pelagic region, but moderate bloom potential in scattered areas along the nearshore, especially in the western bay. The fourth wading bird survey of the season was conducted on January 26, 2023. Six flocks, with an estimated total of 2,790 birds were seen actively foraging on the Lake, which is less than a third of the five-year average. Water levels remain too high to provide suitable foraging habitat across much of the Lake.” St. Lucie Estuary: SFWMD reported that “Total inflow to the St. Lucie Estuary averaged 520 cfs over the past week with 360 cfs coming from Lake Okeechobee. Mean salinities decreased at all sites over the past week. Salinity in the middle estuary was in the optimal range (10-25) for adult eastern oysters.” |
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Reporting Observations for the Indian River Lagoon Algal Bloom Monitoring: To report potential blue-green algal blooms, contact FDEP through their online form here or call 800-636-0511. Fish Kills Hotline: Please report observations of fish kills or diseased fish to the FWC Fish Kill Hotline through their online form here or call 800-636-0511. You can also download their fish kill reporting app by clicking here. IRL Otter Spotter Project: Have you seen a river otter? Report it here! IRL Diamondback Terrapin Sightings: Have you seen a diamondback terrapin? Report it here! Sawfish Sightings: Have you been lucky enough to spot a sawfish? Report it here! Dolphin Spotter: Have you seen a dolphin? Report it here! Manatee Reporting: To report sick, injured, or dead manatees to FWC call 888-404-FWCC (888-404-3922). |
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