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Biologist and Genetics Expert Team Up to Solve Turtle Health Mystery

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Almost 50 percent of the green sea turtles in the Indian River Lagoon have tumors all over their bodies and despite data going back more than two decades, the cause of the disease remains a mystery.
University of Central Florida assistant professor and biologist Kate Mansfield works on various sea turtle research projects and is now partnering with UCF molecular ecologist Anna Savage to see if they can figure out how fibropapillomatosis or FP for short develops in turtles and why.
There is some existing work on FP, but Savage brings a unique approach to the UCF team. She specializes in figuring out the role genes play in species resistance to viruses and bacteria. Most of her work has been with frogs and she had never worked with turtles, until now.
“That’s why I’m so excited,” Savage said. “There’s been a lot of data collected and there is some literature on FP. But it’s a complicated disease. The belief is there are a lot of factors that play into the tumor formation. I’m taking a slightly different approach by looking at the genes related to turtle immunity to see if we can find a pattern that might lead us to some answers.”
Preliminary data show that the tumors in the sea turtles Savage has examined carry a specific herpesvirus. But some turtles with no tumors also have biomarkers for the virus in their skin and blood. And there are some turtles that have no presence of the virus at all. Important clues may be found in the genes of turtles with the virus, but no tumors, Savage said.
She and Mansfield recently earned a $17,631 grant from the Sea Turtle Conservancy to take a deeper genetic look at what may be driving the tumor disease among green and loggerhead sea turtles. They have a deep data set to review thanks to the UCF Marine Turtle Research Group that has been collecting sea turtle data since 1982. UCF researchers and students have been monitoring the health and nesting patterns of sea turtles at the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge (with US Fish and Wildlife Authorization), the Indian River Lagoon and the Tidal Basin near Cape Canaveral. The Archie Carr is a one of the most important nesting area for sea turtles in the Western Hemisphere.
Mansfield and her students capture sea turtles in the Indian River Lagoon twice a month to collect data and monitor their health. The biologists check the turtles’ weight body condition, collect samples of blood, skin, and when present, tumors. When finished, all turtles are flipper tagged and released back into the water. Large numbers of juvenile green sea turtles visit the lagoon – one of the most important feeding areas for the species.
“We encounter on average 100-200 turtles in the IRL a year and in some cases we have samples going back a decade or two,” Mansfield said. “So we have a unique opportunity to leverage our long-term dataset to answer some long-standing questions, and to fill some needed data gaps in sea turtle conservation.”
The UCF Marine Turtle Research Group studies all life stages of these sea creatures. Sea turtles remain at sea for most of their lives, where it is difficult to observe and track them over time. Turtles don’t reach maturity for 20-30 years. It is important to understand the threats and impacts to the health of the juveniles, like those found in the IRL, in order to ensure that future generations of sea turtles will continue to nest in Florida.
In addition to work on our local nesting beaches and coastal waters, Mansfield and her graduate students have been working in the Gulf of Mexico, and south Atlantic and Indian oceans to unravel the mystery of the sea “lost years” – examining where the youngest stages of sea turtles go and how they interact with their oceanic habitats.
Mansfield and the turtle team’s work helps state and federal managers better protect the endangered and threatened species for future generations.

DEP awards $21.5 million to Brevard County for continued restoration of Indian River Lagoon

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Legislative appropriation helps fund muck dredging project

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection recently awarded Brevard County an additional $21.5 million legislative appropriation grant for Phase II of the Brevard County Muck Dredging project. This latest funding builds on the previous $20 million awarded in the past two years for muck removal in the Indian River Lagoon, for a total investment of $41.5 million to date.    

Muck build-up is a result of nutrient pollution, sediment, grass clippings, leaves and other organic matter entering the Indian River Lagoon over time and accumulating at the bottom. As muck decomposes, it consumes oxygen needed by fish and it releases nutrients that feed algal blooms. Muck sediments also negatively impact navigation and can damage seagrass beds.

“Eliminating current sources of muck is a crucial step toward improving water quality and the overall health of the Lagoon,” said DEP Interim Secretary Ryan Matthews. “Brevard County continues to demonstrate its commitment to protect and restore the Indian River Lagoon and we look forward to continued collaboration to protect this important resource.”

This newest phase of the project will remove approximately 400,000 additional cubic yards of muck sediments from the south Sykes Creek and Grand Canal sites within the Indian River Lagoon, the Banana River Lagoon and associated tributaries.

“We are grateful to DEP for this additional funding to help restore the Indian River Lagoon,” said Virginia Barker, Brevard County Natural Resources Management Department director. “The continuation of muck removal projects is important to the overall health, productivity, aesthetic appeal and economic value of the Lagoon, and saving the Lagoon is a top priority for the people who live, work and play here.” 

Previous funding includes $20 million for the ongoing Phase I of the Brevard County Muck Dredging project, which when completed will remove approximately 350,000 cubic yards of muck from the north Cocoa Beach, Mims boat ramp and Turkey Creek sites within the Indian River Lagoon, the Banana River Lagoon and associated tributaries. Additionally, $800,000 was awarded to identify sources of muck in the Indian River Lagoon and remove aquatic vegetation from the Lagoon watershed.

Together, both phases of the muck dredging project are estimated to remove a total of approximately 1,400 tons of nitrogen and 300 tons of phosphorous contained within Indian River Lagoon muck sediments.

The Indian River Lagoon Research Institute at Florida Institute of Technology (FIT), has been awarded $1.5 million to assist in monitoring project effectiveness, as well as conduct research on the chemical, physical and biological effects of muck removal within the Indian River Lagoon system.

“FIT is proud to be a research partner in this project,” said Professor Emeritus Dr. John Windsor at Florida Institute of Technology Department of Ocean Engineering and Science. “It was very foresighted of the legislature, DEP and Brevard County to assess the benefits of environmental muck dredging in coastal waters and support the research necessary to optimize Indian River Lagoon restoration from muck removal. It is also important for our students to experience how one state, one school or one person can change the world and help save a national treasure like the Indian River Lagoon, and be prepared to continue the ongoing restoration and maintenance plan.”

The department is working aggressively to improve water quality in the Indian River Lagoon by identifying and funding additional wastewater and stormwater projects to reduce the amount of nutrients going into the Lagoon, as well as dredging projects to remove muck from the bottom of the Lagoon. 

Governor Rick Scott’s “Fighting for Florida’s Families” budget proposes funding for a 50/50 state matching grant program with local communities, including those along Indian River Lagoon, to provide funding to encourage residents to move from septic tanks to sewer systems in order to curb pollution that is currently entering impacted water bodies. Additionally, this proposal will support local communities to help build wastewater systems to meet the increased demand for wastewater services.

About DEP’s Division of Water Restoration Assistance
The Division of Water Restoration Assistance is responsible for providing loans and grants for projects that improve the quality and quantity of the state’s water resources and provide a significant benefit to the environment and local communities. Projects in several program areas are funded that improve stormwater quality, reduce pollutants entering surface water and groundwater, protect springs, collect and treat wastewater, produce and distribute drinking water, nourish beaches and reclaim mined land.  For more information, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/water/waterprojectfunding/.

DEP awards more than $24 million for projects to improve water quality in the Indian River Lagoon

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Department funds 12 projects to help restore Indian River Lagoon

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection has awarded more than $24 million in funding for 12 recent projects to continue efforts to improve water quality in the Indian River Lagoon. These projects will help communities reduce stormwater nutrient loads, continue stormwater treatment improvements, reduce or eliminate nonpoint source pollution and eliminate muck sediments.

“We are committed to partnering with local communities to expedite and implement projects that improve water quality and contribute to the ongoing restoration of the Indian River Lagoon, which is vital to Florida’s environment, economy and quality of life,” said DEP Interim Secretary Ryan Matthews. 

Recent projects benefiting the Indian River Lagoon include:

Brevard County: Awarded a total of $556,100 in grant funding and a legislative appropriation for a nutrient-reduction project at Pines Industrial Pond, a 71-acre commercial and industrial area, including construction of a treatment train system to treat stormwater runoff. The enhanced pond system is estimated to remove approximately 800 pounds of nitrogen and 100 pounds of phosphorous per year. 

Brevard County was also awarded a $122,350 legislative appropriation, for a total of $361,850, for the Johnson Jr. High School pond retrofits. These will enhance the efficiency of an existing retention pond by regulating and redirecting stormwater flow through nitrogen-removing and phosphorous-absorbing chambers to reduce pollution entering the northern Indian River Lagoon.  

Cape Canaveral: Awarded a $98,400 grant for shoreline restoration at Banana River Park and Manatee Sanctuary Park, along approximately 1,700 feet of the eastern shore of the Banana River Lagoon. Restoration includes a combination of coquina rock placement, native vegetation such as mangroves and wire grass, and enhancement of an infiltration swale. This project will protect the shoreline from high winds, wave erosion and sediment deposit.

Edgewater: Awarded a $159,300 grant for stormwater treatment improvements at Lamont and Hubbell streets, which will reduce untreated stormwater runoff directly discharged into the Indian River Lagoon. Project benefits include reducing nutrients entering the estuary, increasing groundwater recharge, reducing saltwater intrusion and encouraging seagrass growth. The project is estimated to remove approximately 24 pounds of nitrogen and three pounds of phosphorous per year. 

Indialantic: Awarded a $65,500 grant for a stormwater retrofit at Lily Park, including clearing invasive melaleuca trees, installing approximately 900 linear feet of storm sewer and excavation of a stormwater treatment area within a 1960s era storm sewer system draining directly into the Indian River Lagoon. The project will improve the quality of stormwater discharged into the lagoon.

Melbourne: Awarded a $517,050 grant for a stormwater retrofit within approximately 200 acres in the high-density residential neighborhoods of Bell and Garfield, both with stormwater currently draining into the Eau Gallie River and northern Indian River Lagoon.

Ocean Breeze: Awarded a total of $465,000 in a grant and a legislative appropriation for a stormwater retrofit of a 46-acre watershed to the Indian River Lagoon, including construction of a treatment train consisting of bioswale excavation and plantings, two baffle boxes and exfiltration pipe. The project will help remove nutrients from stormwater entering the estuary.

Palm Bay: Awarded a $400,000 legislative appropriation for stormwater treatment at Palm Bay Marina near the mouth of Turkey Creek, which flows into the Indian River Lagoon. Treatment includes retrofit and installation of treatment trains that will reduce untreated stormwater, which damages seawalls, while discharging into the lagoon. The project will prevent further seawall erosion and is estimated to remove approximately 40 pounds of nitrogen and 1,600 pounds of phosphorous per year.

Rockledge: Awarded an additional $162,500 grant, for a total of $937,500 for phase one of a septic tank elimination project in the Rockwood and Knollwood Gardens subdivisions adjacent to the Indian River Lagoon to reduce nutrient pollution. Construction of a central sewer line will connect approximately 140 residential lots to a lift station. 

St. Johns River Water Management District: Awarded an increase of $10 million for a total of $20 million from legislative appropriation grants for a muck dredging project in the Eau Gallie River, a tributary of the Indian River Lagoon. This additional funding and expansion of the project allows for completion of all dredging and the removal of approximately 625,000 cubic yards of muck sediment. Muck soils will be removed from the main stem of the Eau Gallie River, and from the southern branch of the river, Elbow Creek. The project is estimated to remove approximately 1,200 tons of nitrogen and 260 tons of phosphorous contained within the Eau Gallie River muck deposits. 

Titusville: Awarded a $352,752 grant for stormwater treatment that includes installation of two treatment trains with catch basins for stormwater flowing from the Main Street and Sycamore Street sub-basins, totaling 588 acres. The project is designed to improve water quality and reduce pollutants carried by stormwater from entering the Indian River Lagoon.

Titusville was also awarded a $105,000 legislative appropriation for watershed improvements in the city’s Knox McRae Basin, including construction of a treatment train. The project is estimated to remove approximately 280 pounds of nitrogen and 55 pounds of phosphorous.

Project funding is provided by the state’s Total Maximum Daily Load Water Quality Restoration Grant, legislative appropriation grants and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Section 319 Nonpoint Source Grant. 

The department is working aggressively to improve water quality in the Indian River Lagoon by identifying and funding additional wastewater and stormwater projects to reduce the amount of nutrients going into the lagoon, as well as dredging projects to remove muck from the bottom of the lagoon. 

Governor Rick Scott’s “Fighting for Florida’s Families” budget proposes funding for a 50/50 state matching grant program with local communities, including those along Indian River Lagoon, to provide funding to encourage residents to move from septic tanks to sewer systems in order to curb pollution that is currently entering impacted water bodies. Additionally, this proposal will support local communities to help build wastewater systems to meet the increased demand for wastewater services.

About DEP’s Division of Water Restoration Assistance
The Division of Water Restoration Assistance is responsible for providing loans and grants for projects that improve the quality and quantity of the state’s water resources and provide a significant benefit to the environment and local communities. Projects in several funding program areas improve stormwater quality, reduce pollutants entering surface water and groundwater, protect springs, collect and treat wastewater, produce and distribute drinking water, nourish beaches and reclaim mined land. For more information, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/water/waterprojectfunding/.

Mast Helps Start New Bipartisan Congressional Caucus to Support Our Lagoon

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Brian Mast logo
U.S. Congressmen Brian Mast (R-FL) and Bill Posey (R-FL) have worked with their House colleagues to found a new bipartisan Congressional caucus to give the Indian River Lagoon a stronger voice and presence in the U.S. Congress. A total of twenty-three House Members have joined with Reps. Mast and Posey in forming the new Congressional Estuary Caucus, including Representatives Rick Larsen (D-WA), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) and Frank LoBiondo (R-NJ).
“Our waterways are central to the quality of life and the economy on the Treasure Coast.  Keeping our water clean is an issue that transcends party lines—it affects all of our families,” Rep. Mast said.  “I’ve committed to work with members of both parties to keep our water clean, and this caucus will provide an essential bipartisan forum to protect the Indian River Lagoon.”
“Our Lagoon is important to our quality of life, our local economies, tourism, our natural beauty, and provides a critical habitat to many indigenous species of wildlife and plant life,” Rep. Posey said. “This new caucus will help promote and protect our nation’s estuaries like the Indian River Lagoon by giving our communities a platform in Washington to educate our leaders on the important role that our estuaries play.”
The Indian River Lagoon stretches 156 miles along Florida’s east coast through five counties. More than 2,000 species of plants, 600 species of fish, 300 species of birds, and 53 threatened or endangered species inhabit the Indian River Lagoon for at least some portion of their lives, and scientists have shown our Lagoon to be one of the most biologically diverse estuaries in North America, with approximately 4,000 species documented to occur.
Rep. Mast serves as Vice Chairman of the Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.  As Vice Chairman, he has stated that his top priority will be protecting Treasure Coast waterways.  He is also a member of the Everglades Caucus and the Bipartisan Climate Solutions Caucus.

Harris Employees Build Oyster Bagging Machine to Improve Indian River Lagoon Health

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harris-corp-brevard-zoo-logos
A group of Harris Corporation employee volunteers answered a call to aid the Indian River Lagoon with a machine that will help restore oyster beds to the endangered waterway.
The employees designed and built a mechanism to funnel shells into oyster bags, which serve as the foundation for new reefs. They donated the machine to the Brevard Zoo’s Oyster Restoration Program.
Volunteers can now fill an oyster bag in eight seconds, when it used to take several minutes by hand. Six volunteers can do the job that previously took a team of 40.
The Brevard Zoo has been working on oyster restoration in the lagoon for more than a decade and has plans to continue the efforts. Oysters are beneficial because their filter feeding improves water quality in the lagoon, which is among the most biodiverse estuaries in North America.
Six Harris employees donated a total of 240 hours to design and build the machine under the company’s volunteering program, which is called Harris Employees Actively Responding Together, or HEART. More than 2,900 employees have donated more than 40,000 hours under the program.
Harris was the first company to join the National Estuary Program’s Indian River Lagoon Innovators and Investors (IRL-I2) network. The company is dedicated to working with governments and groups to help improve the body of water, which stretches for 156 miles along Florida’s East Coast.
Who: Brevard Zoo: Jody Palmer, Director of Conservation
Jake Zehnder, Restoration Project Coordinator
Harris –Tom Campbell, Innovation Director

Employee volunteer team:
Ihosvany Garcia, project lead
Kari Andresen
Scott Cerasale
Chance Eldredge
Julio Perez
Jake Sherlock

What: Media availability to unveil oyster bagging machine designed, built and donated by Harris employees to the Brevard Zoo oyster restoration program. Reporters can interview employees who worked on the project and representatives of Harris and the Brevard Zoo as well as take photos and video of the oyster bagging machine in action.
When: Jan. 13, 2016, 9 a.m.
Where: Oyster shell impound area southwest of the interchange of I-95 and Eau Gallie Blvd. Impound area is remote and requires assistance with entry. All media are asked to meet at the Park-And-Ride lot (~1000 Inspiration Ln. 32934) west of I-95 on Eau Gallie Blvd. so they can be escorted by Zoo staff.
Why: Harris is committed to helping efforts to restore and preserve the Indian River Lagoon and is a member of the IRL-I2 group. The oyster bagging machine is a result of Harris employees taking that commitment to heart and volunteering time and expertise for this important initiative under the able leadership of the Brevard Zoo.
If you plan to attend the event, please RSVP by close of business Wednesday, Jan. 11. 
Harris Corporation
Harris Corporation is a leading technology innovator, solving customers’ toughest mission-critical challenges by providing solutions that connect, inform and protect. Harris supports customers in more than 100 countries and has approximately $7.5 billion in annual revenue and 21,000 employees worldwide. The company is organized into four business segments: Communication Systems, Space and Intelligence Systems, Electronic Systems and Critical Networks. Learn more at harris.com.
Brevard Zoo
Brevard Zoo is home to more than 800 animals representing 180 species from all over the world. As a not-for-profit organization, it is a leader in the fields of animal wellness, education and conservation. More information is available at www.brevardzoo.org.