Associated Press
A new report on the health of the St. Johns River found increasing salinity and high phosphorous levels, but also positive signs that other pollutants plaguing the waterway were reduced.
The Florida Times-Union reports that the study released on Friday was conducted by researchers at four schools including the University of North Florida and Jacksonville University.
UNF chemist Rhada Pyati says the report reveals some persistent negative impacts including rising salinity, more invasive species like lionfish and nuisance algae blooms.
Still, the report says the 217 manatees spotted in a single day by monitors were the highest logged in 22 years. It also found underwater grass beds had rebounded significantly.
Republished with permission of the Associated Press.
