Since 1984, the Florida Coastal Conservation Society has worked to conserve gamefish in Florida’s estuaries and offshore state waters for recreational anglers.
The Treasure Coast Chapter and the Indian River Land Trust, both located in Vero Beach, have collaborated to modify mosquito reservoir management techniques to improve the health of the Indian River Lagoon and its iconic fish population. .
The nonprofit’s 12 Days of Christmas wish can treat acres of open water to remove low oxygen levels that often kill vital plants and juvenile fish such as snook, tarpon and trout. is a solar-powered aerator.
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“Oxygen levels can drop and sulfide levels rise during the warmer months, when the reservoir is isolated from the lagoon and stagnant,” said Frank Giddas, Director of Habitat and Restoration at CCA Florida. “They can be dangerous to other aquatic life such as fish and seaweed.”
A non-profit partner would like to conduct a pilot project using solar-powered aerators in a mosquito reservoir owned by the Indian River Land Trust to reduce stress and prevent loss to fish and seaweed.
Open water aeration systems can be expensive, he said. Using a solar powered pump for air and perforated tubing can cost as much as $8,000.
If the pilot project is successful, it could be applied to other mosquito reservoirs owned by the Indian River Land Trust throughout Indian River County.
Please scroll below the photo for how to help
how to help
- Who: Florida Coastal Conservation Society
- Wish: A solar-powered aeration system installed at a mosquito reservoir in Indian River County
- cost: $8,000
- Donation method: Contact Frank Gidus at fgidus@ccaflorida.org or 407-401-7673.
About this series
The Treasure Coast nonprofit that researches, protects, restores and advocates for clean water, especially the St. Lucie River and Indian River Lagoon, needs more than holiday cheer to continue its mission. TCPalm.com features a different organization each day from his traditional 12 Days of Christmas from his December 25th to his January 5th.
December 25th: Florida Oceanographic SocietyDecember 26th: indian river keeperDecember 27th: Manatee Observation Education CenterDecember 28th: Smithsonian Marine Station at Fort PierceDecember 29th: Environmental learning centerDecember 30th: St. Lucie County Reef BuildersDecember 31: Pelican Island Audubon SocietyJanuary 1: Friends of the EvergladesJanuary 2nd: Marine Research Conservation SocietyJanuary 3rd: Environmental learning center
Ed Killer is an outdoor writer for TCPalm. Sign up for his and other weekly newsletters at profile.tcpalm.com/newsletters/manage. Ed Killer on his Facebook he can be friends with Ed, follow him on Twitter @tcpalmekiller or email him at ed.killer@tcpalm.com.
