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Yellow Water Reports—2003

In June, July, and early October 2003, a sponge diver observed yellow water, dying crabs, and bleaching coral offshore of Pasco and Hernando counties. Bobby Spath of the Southern Fish Alliance reported these observations to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) during the week of October 27, 2003. The diver also reported skin ailments resulting from diving in the discolored water. The diver e-mailed the specific locations, months of occurrence, and coordinates to Florida Marine Research Institute (FMRI) staff on November 14, 2003. FMRI staff subsequently began researching potential explanations, including Tarpon Springs Sponge Associates of Florida concerns that Piney Point wastewater discharges were contributing to this event.

Based on the diver-provided coordinates, a GIS map showing the following information was generated:

• Locations of the yellow water observations
• EPA-approved Piney Point Dispersion Area
• Location of Piney Point wastewater discharges
• Paths of drifter buoys released during the Piney Point discharge
• Relevant FMRI red tide monitoring data from this period

The two earliest observations of yellow water preceded the start of Piney Point discharges (July 20, 2003). The trajectories of buoy drifters released during discharge operations confirm the southward movement—away from the yellow water locations—of the water masses containing the diluted wastewater. None of these trajectories showed discharge water within 100 miles of the diver-provided coordinates of the yellow water (See Map 272 KB).

Results of a search of the FMRI aquatic health and harmful algal bloom monitoring databases show no other reports of yellow water during this period. However, red tide occurred to the north and south of the diver’s coordinates; fish kills off Anclote Key were reported to the fish kill hotline in early August, and diatom blooms were documented from the Steinhatchee River to Florida Bay (See Map 272 KB). Algal blooms, including red tide, can cause water discoloration, making water appear bright green, yellow, red, dark brown, or black. Based on the documented southward movement of the discharge, FMRI can rule out a Piney Point discharge-water contribution. Due to the lack of samples and the time elapsed before receiving the report, FMRI staff cannot pinpoint a direct cause of the reported yellow water. Red tide is suspected.

Since discharge began, FWC-FMRI staff have been cooperating with the FDEP in evaluating the effects of Piney Point discharges on harmful algal bloom (HAB) species in the discharge area. Despite a persistent red tide over the past year, no unusual species or increased abundance of HAB species have been detected in the Piney Point discharge area.

Prior to July 1, 2004, the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute was known as the Florida Marine Research Institute. 


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