By Liangy Fernandez-Calli and Mary Benton
In recent days, our beautiful Biscayne Bay has been marred by scenes straight out of an apocalyptic movie with thousands of dead fish washing ashore from North Miami to Virginia Key. After multiple water samples and abiotic samples were collected and independently examined by the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, Miami Department of Environmental Resources Management, Florida International University, and Miami Waterkeeper, it was determined that the cause lies in a lack of dissolved oxygen (DO) due in part to warm temperatures, coupled with sewage leaks, septic tanks, pet waste, stormwater runoff, pesticides and nutrients found in fertilizers which feed algae that depress oxygen levels.
Unfortunately, this is not new. For decades, environmentalists have been sounding the alarm to deaf ears. It is a real problem that has been worsening with time due to lack of awareness, lack of leadership and failure to actively participate in better practices. In other words, it is on us to save our beloved Biscayne Bay and the other waterways around South Florida.
All is not lost. We have an opportunity to help restore and conserve our Biscayne Bay and our surroundings altogether. In some cases, it is a matter of simply changing our habits. In others, we need to change our mindsets.
Pet and Human Waste
Let’s start with the easiest habit to change: pick up after your pet. We know most of you already do so, since you likely would be persona non grata in your neighborhood if you didn’t. But keeping your pet waste from getting washed into the bay is an additional reason to be a good citizen not only of your neighborhood, but of this planet.
Septic systems are another source of contamination for nearby waterways. The EPA has some good tips on how to deal with yours, from toilet to drainfield.
Fertilizer Use
Miami Waterkeeper (MWK) is an organization whose mission is to defend, protect, and preserve South Florida’s watershed through citizen engagement and community action rooted in sound science and research. They work to ensure swimmable, drinkable, fishable water for all. There is compelling scientific evidence for the need for ordinances governing the use of fertilizers, including the following provisions:
- No phosphorus application
- No fertilizer applied during the summer rainy season
- 50% slow release Nitrogen
- 15 ft. setback from waterways and storm drains
Miami Dade County does not have such an ordinance, but there is no reason why you can’t go ahead and follow these provisions on your own. Learn more about the problem and what you can do to be part of the solution.
Composting
You can make your very own environmentally-friendly fertilizer for free by composting your kitchen and garden scraps. Why is this important? When you toss your kitchen waste in the trash can, it ends up in a plastic bag that will never decompose that gets trucked to a landfill where the kitchen scraps will create methane, a powerful greenhouse gas that is contributing to climate change and the global warming that is sickening bodies of water like Biscayne Bay. The same thing happens if your municipality requires you to bag your leaves, which make wonderful mulch that enriches your soil, conserves moisture, and suppresses weeds. By composting, you become part of the solution rather than contributing to the problem. You will be amazed at the rich soil that will result, that you can spread around on plants that can use a little fertilizer. Here is a link for more information on how to start composting from the EPA and information that runs the gamut from closed bins to pit composting to open bins, tumblers, piling, and vermicomposting from Fine Gardening.
Plant Native and Florida-Friendly
Jeff August 25, 2020
People that are in septic tanks constantly are put to blaim. We all that have them either have been rsised or are not leaking. Most septic systems are set back 30 ft from canals if there even in there back yard. It’s the politicans that get paid by lobbyists from big sugar to allow the run off from lake okeechobee and big sugar that flows down canal c8. Right from the lake area to wide open biscayne bay. Along with the core of engineering that make everything look good on paper but don’t solve the issue. Look what they did to tamiami trail,now there tring to figure how to make it work like ut was supposed to. Again there planning to rais the trail and build even more there. When will it all stop Marjorie is no longer here to fight for us. Yes storm sewers go directly into the bay,but that is a major system to overhaul,like the sewer system that breakdown and leak into the bay and canal.
Mary Benton August 25, 2020
Marjory isn’t with us, sadly, but her legacy, her persistence, and her vision lives on as inspiration, and we must fight for ourselves. Thanks for reading.
Denise E Aloise August 27, 2020
Excellent article. We can each do something to improve the environment for our planet, us, and generations to come. It is our responsibility. I do not know the author of this wisdom, but it is so applicable, “We Do Not Inherit the Earth from Our Ancestors; We Borrow It from Our Children.” We must be grateful, and, treat it with love and respect.
Mary Benton August 28, 2020
Thank you for reading, Denise, and for understanding what is at stake.
Monica Gross September 7, 2020
Beautiful story, Mary. I love writing up and shooting photography. If you want me to help with a story occasionally, please let me know.
Love,
Monica
Mary Benton September 8, 2020
I’m so glad you enjoyed this, Monica. I would love to collaborate with you sometime! Love, Mary
Susan Howell November 4, 2020
Mary and Liangy this article is so needed. It is up to each one of us to make a personal commitment to help our planet. My garden is thriving- it is a sanctuary for birds, bees, butterflies, ladybugs, and dragonflies. I plant mostly native plants, do not use any chemicals in my garden, and compost my kitchen scraps. My compost pile is now full of worms (such a healthy sign) and I use the compost as fertilizer for my plants. It is simple and a win/win for the planet and my personal joy:) We are all in this together. Biscayne Bay is Miami’s jewel we must protect it and all the life that lives in and around it.
Mary Benton November 5, 2020
Yes, Susan, absolutely: we need to come together to create the future our children and our planet deserve, starting in our own gardens.