Crystal River Manatees

Ecosystems consist of units of life, in which work together to maintain a balanced environment. This balance can be disrupted by other species, drastic weather changes, and substances that harm any species at any and all trophic levels. Furthermore, it is logical to consider how our past, present, and future actions impact the ecosystems within Crystal River, Florida. This paper will shine a light on past, present, and future ecosystems by examining the impacts on manatees in particular. The first portion of this paper will discuss an increase in total number of manatees in Crystal River over the past thirty years. The second portion of the paper will illustrate changes in ecological diversity, concerns of suckermouth armored cat fish and invasive …show more content…
Trevor quotes an exert from Allmon’s work in his own research: Crystal River, along with the entire Gulf Coast, has undergone drastic changes in ecological diversity and biological productivity through time (Trevor 2015). Throughout Blue Springs, Non-native suckermouth catfish can be observed clinging to the manatees, and manatees have exhibited behavioral changes indicating this species as a negative presence. During the past several years, manatee researchers and other visitors to Florida springs have witnessed these non-native catfish attaching to manatees (Nico 2009). Although this was not an issue in Crystal River at the time Nico wrote his article, it is a growing concern that the presence of Lyngbya and Non-native catfish could direly affect the manatees now and in the future. Lyngbya has been a common presence in the springs of Crystal River, and it also appears to be an algae that attracts Non-native catfish to latch unto manatees. Lyngbya is a toxic cyanobacteria that is resistant to herbicides and algaecides. Lyngbya is actually caused by a favorable environment created by herbicides, pesticides, aglaecides, and/or fertilizer and contaminant run off to surrounding ground water. Lyngbya thrives in dimly lit marine environments and suffocates native plants in the freshwater bodies of Crystal River. Efforts to remove Lyngbya and replace native plants seem to be the most appropriate solution to the Lyngbya problem. Once again, larger complications transpire from pesticide, herbicide, and algaecide use. To emphasize, we must prevent accidental introduction of invasive species. Do not release exotic animals into local ecosystems. Instead, call a local exotic animal rescue to care for unwanted pets. Additionally, through reducing our use of

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