Since 1984, the Florida Coastal Conservation Association has worked to conserve game fish in Florida’s estuaries and marine state waters for recreational anglers.
The Treasure Coast Chapter and the Indian River Land Trust, both in Vero Beach, have been working together to modify mosquito reservoir management techniques to improve the health of the Indian River Lagoon and its iconic fish populations.
The nonprofit’s 12 Days of Christmas Wish is a solar-powered aerator that 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.
“During the warmer months, when the reservoirs are isolated from the lagoon and stagnate, oxygen levels can drop, creating rising sulfide levels,” said Frank Gidus, director of habitat and restoration of CCA Florida. “They can become dangerous to fish and other aquatic organisms such as sea grass.”
The nonprofit partners want to undertake a pilot project using a solar-powered aerator on a mosquito reservoir owned by the Indian River Land Trust to reduce stress and prevent loss of fish and seagrass, Gidus said.
Open water aeration systems can be expensive, he said. Using a solar powered air pump and perforated pipes could cost up to $8,000.
If the pilot project is successful, it could be applied to other mosquito reservoirs the Indian River Land Trust owns throughout Indian River County.
Scroll below the photo for information on how to help
How to help
- WHO: Coastal Conservation Association-Florida
- To wish: Solar Powered Aeration System for Indian River County Mosquito Reservoirs
- Cost: $8,000
- How to donate: Contact Frank Gidus at [email protected] or 407-401-7673.
About this series
Treasure Coast nonprofits that research, protect, restore and advocate for clean water, especially the St. Lucie and the Indian River Lagoon need more than holiday cheer to continue their mission. Find out what they need, and how you can help them, to continue their work as TCPalm.com highlights a different organization each day from December 25th to January 5th, the traditional 12 Days of Christmas.
December 25: Florida Oceanographic SocietyDecember 26: Indian RiverkeeperDecember 27: Manatí Observation and Education CenterDecember 28: Smithsonian Marine Station in Fort PierceDecember 29: Center for Environmental StudiesDecember 30: St. County Reef Builders LucieDecember 31: Pelican Island Audubon SocietyJanuary 1: Friends of the EvergladesJanuary 2: Ocean Research and Conservation AssociationJanuary 3: Environmental Learning Center