TOWN CORNER: Beach shoreline condition update and synopsis
The Town of Fort Myers Beach is monitoring reports of algae and seaweed washing onto Estero Island. Town staff are actively monitoring the beach and coordinating with other municipalities in the area to determine large scale coverage and extent.
– Species Involved: Researchers at Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation have identified a dominance of red macro algae with green algae also mixed in. Town staff has also identified small amounts of tunicates (sea pork) and parchment tube worm cases.
– Relative Coverage and Areas Affected: Coverage is moderate. The line of algae and seaweed is approximately 3-6 feet wide and there is some mounding with piles averaging 4-6 inches in depth and some heavier accumulations up to 12 inches deep. There is a relatively continuous line extending from Flamingo Street (Beach access 11) to Palm Avenue (Beach access 30).
– Human/Environmental Health Concerns: None. All species observed are non-toxic. Some algae may cause slight discoloration of the surf zone during windy conditions.
– Forecast: Expect accumulations on low tide. Low tide will be -.3 feet at 4:30 a.m. on Thursday. Winds are forecasted to be easterly through Thursday which may push some of the algae off shore; however winds are forecasted to be westerly and increasing to 15-20 knots from Friday through Sunday due to the approach of a frontal system so there may be further accumulations. Due to the density and deepness of the piles, degradation will be slow.
– Response/Action: Town staff are working with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to secure a permit to rake if necessary. Beach rakers are not yet authorized to disturb the wrack line at this time in accordance with Town of Fort Myers Beach Ordinance 2007-002 until notified by Town staff. Town staff are working with researchers at Florida Gulf Coast University and Sanibel-Captiva Research Foundation to track the progress of the current occurrence.
For information specific to Fort Myers Beach please contact: Environmental Sciences Coordinator Keith Laakkonen of the Town of Fort Myers Beach at
765-0202 (ext. 136).