Brown Tide at Indian River Lagoon

Algae clobbering
vital sea grass,
in the Indian River Lagoon.

A super-tiny plant, a big name,

Aureoumbra lagunensis—
“brown tide.”

Billions in every quart

of lagoon water,
turning the water brown,

preventing sunlight from penetrating ,

shading-to-death
the meadows of sea grass—

the  foundation

of lagoon marine life—
providing food and shelter.



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The die-off of plants,

devastating to everything—
manatees, wading birds, fish. 

Distressed fish,

swimming erratically,
gasping for air, near death.

The loss of sea grass,

causing lasting harm
to the lagoon.

The  Indian Rive Lagoon stretches along 40% of Florida’s east coast.  Learn more about it at

http://indianriverlagoon.org

© 2012 Catherine Giordano

 

 

This beautiful artist's rendition of brown tide was done by Joanie Gagnon San Chirico.