Rising saltwater is threatening marine ecosystems

Increased Salinity Threatens Coastal and Nearby Ecosystems

A new study concludes that increased salinity in oceans and coastal areas, resulting from climate change and poor land use, has potentially devastating effects on coastal and nearby ecosystems. The study, conducted by the University of North Florida, highlights the impact of climate change and human activities on flooding, droughts, and rising sea levels, which in turn lead to the intrusion of saltwater into coastal and low-lying areas. This intrusion damages seagrass beds, harms the shrimping and fishing industries, and alters recreational environments.

Effects on Ecosystems

The changing salinity levels have a significant impact on ecosystems, causing shifts or even the death of certain habitats like seagrass beds. These habitats are subject to change as salinity levels fluctuate, which can disrupt the balance of ecological environments.

Salinity Levels in the St. Johns River

The St. Johns River, like many other coastal areas, is not immune to the increasing salinity levels. The 2019 State of the River report highlights the rising salinity levels in the St. Johns River and its tributaries due to sea level rise and river dredging. These factors raise concerns about the long-term health of the river and its surrounding ecosystems.

Threats to Inland Areas

The intrusion of saltwater further upstream poses threats to inland areas. Saltwater is reaching areas south of the Buckman Bridge, where barnacles and jellyfish are appearing in unprecedented numbers. This intrusion indicates the extent of the impact on the river’s ecosystem and the need for immediate action.

The Role of Freshwater Grasses

Extreme weather events, such as droughts and excessive water usage, have the most significant impact on the salinity levels of the St. Johns River. The loss of freshwater grasses, which serve as the kidneys of the river and provide essential fish habitat, is a major concern. The decline in these grasses leads to increased pollution issues, such as blue-green algae outbreaks, which can be highly toxic and result in a loss of fish habitat.

Addressing Rising Salinity Levels

To mitigate the rising salinity levels in the river, experts suggest taking specific steps:

1. Reduce carbon emissions to minimize the impact of climate change.
2. Reduce water usage to conserve freshwater resources.
3. Advocate for policies that protect wetlands and promote ecosystem conservation.
4. Advocate for reuniting Silver Springs, the Ocklawaha, and the St. Johns River to restore 150 million gallons of freshwater flow daily.

Restoring the Ocklawaha River

Environmentalists have long advocated for the removal of Rodman Dam and the restoration of the natural flow of the Ocklawaha River. Scientists believe that this restoration would help offset some of the harmful effects of dredging and sea level rise. However, opposition from state leaders and local officials, who highlight the economic benefits of fishing in the reservoir, has hindered progress in this area.

Monitoring Salinity Levels

The next State of the River report, scheduled to be released in October, will provide an opportunity to measure salinity levels in the St. Johns River. This report will offer valuable insights into the ongoing changes and challenges faced by the river and its ecosystems.

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SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 14: Life Below Water
• SDG 13: Climate Action
• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
• SDG 15: Life on Land

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 14.1: By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, particularly from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution (SDG 14)
• Target 14.2: By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans (SDG 14)
• Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries (SDG 13)
• Target 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater, and increasing recycling and safe reuse globally (SDG 6)
• Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains, and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements (SDG 15)

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator 14.1.1: Index of coastal eutrophication and floating plastic debris density (SDG 14)
• Indicator 14.2.1: Proportion of national exclusive economic zones managed using ecosystem-based approaches (SDG 14)
• Indicator 13.1.1: Number of deaths, missing persons, and directly affected persons attributed to disasters per 100,000 population (SDG 13)
• Indicator 6.3.2: Proportion of bodies of water with good ambient water quality (SDG 6)
• Indicator 15.1.2: Proportion of important sites for terrestrial and freshwater biodiversity that are covered by protected areas, by ecosystem type (SDG 15)

4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators