NEW YORK, NY, April 22, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Drop that spreader! Dolphins are dying at an alarming rate in Florida's Indian River Lagoon, and nitrogen pollution, caused by over-fertilization, has been identified as a contributing cause. To combat this problem, Dr. Rob Moir, Executive Director of the Ocean River Institute, has launched a campaign to educate the public on effective dolphin-saving practices and his efforts have caused quite a splash! Dr. Moir is currently petitioning for fertilizer regulation ordinances that will reduce nitrogen loading into the estuary. With over 65,000 signatures from local residents, Florida vacationers and environmentally conscious stewards across the globe, Dr. Moir demonstrates that the public supports his plea!
Dolphin deaths rise to record levels
As nitrogen levels rise, so too do dolphin deaths. By far the worst ocean pollutant, nitrogen originates from land use sources such as fertilization and wastewater run-off. Over time, nitrogen loading to coastal watersheds devastates the ecosystem and harms wildlife by causing algal blooms, eutrophication and ocean dead zones (hypoxia). Algal blooms deplete the marine environment of dissolved oxygen, suffocating marine life and leading to death and disease. Careless human actions are thereby killing dolphins, and only responsible human actions can save them!
Why save Indian River Lagoon?
Indian River Lagoon is a grouping of three lagoons: Mosquito Lagoon, Banana River, and Indian River, which stretch across 6 counties and 156 miles of Florida's Atlantic coast. Home to more than 4,300 species of plants and animals, the Lagoon holds the distinction of being North America's most diverse estuary. In recent years, however, Indian River Lagoon has been granted a less desirable distinction: Thirty-five of its species are currently listed as threatened or endangered, more than any other estuary in North America. And as the Lagoon's inhabitants continue to suffer, so too do visitors of this natural wonder. The Lagoon is vulnerable to nitrogen loading because it is a shallow, enclosed waterway. The EPA has estimated that 3 million tons of nitrogen invade the Lagoon every year--1 million tons over its sustainable capacity. The campaign to save Indian River Lagoon is determined to prevent further damage to this sensitive eco-system and to protect what remains, while ensuring that every dolphin who smacks its final flipper on these still waters will send a ripple that will echo into eternity.
Protect dolphins with 3 easy steps!
Strike a balance and enjoy green lawns while protecting our waterways. Follow these three easy steps to be a part of the solution:
1. Do not spread fertilizer closer to waterways than the
County's setback of 25 feet.
2. Use at least 50% slow release nitrogen, 100% is better for lawns
and waters.
3. Grant us a Lawn-fertilizing Holiday from June 1 to Sept 30.
By adopting responsible lawn care practices, lawn owners can save time, money and effort, while cleaning up our waters.
Dr. Rob Moir believes that responsible stewardship is best spearheaded by people taking action in their own communities. For this reason, the Ocean River Institute assists communities in protecting and preserving our marine environments. He was a leader in efforts to clean up Boston Harbor and Salem Sound and has successfully leveraged the federal courts to stop overfishing herring in Atlantic waters.
To take action or to stay updated on environmental issues, follow Ocean River Institute on the following social media outlets or sign up for E-Alerts:
Dr. Rob Moir may be contacted by email at rob@oceanriver.org or by phone at 617-661-6647.
Celebrate Earth Day by tuning into Genesis Global Radio tonight, April 22, 2013, from 6:00pm PST - 7:00pm, to hear Dr. Rob Moir discuss the plight to save the dolphins of Indian River Lagoon and what you can do to help! To hear the broadcast, visit this link: http://crntalk.com and then click on the play button next to CRN 2.
If you miss the broadcast, don't sweat it! Access the show anytime through the following link:
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