The Florida Bay, located between the mainland peninsula and the Keys, represents a third of the Everglades National Park and is key to the ecological balance of the region. However, the increase in salinity levels during dry seasons threatens to repeat catastrophic episodes like the massive seagrass die-off that occurred in 2015.
This phenomenon affects not only marine biodiversity, but also the entire ecological chain and, by extension, the region’s economy. “All you could see was dead grass floating,” recalls Xavier Figueredo, a boat captain in Islamorada, about that crisis that devastated 16,000 hectares of underwater meadows.
Steve Davis, chief scientist of The Everglades Foundation, explains that the Everglades function as a giant river slowly flowing from central Florida to the south. When the flow of freshwater is interrupted, as was the case with the old Tamiami Trail road, salinity skyrockets, harming fish, corals, and birds.
Elevating a crucial stretch of that road allowed to restore the flow towards the bay, helping to keep salinity levels under control. This is complemented by the favorable forecast of an early rainy season in 2025.
A Key Reservoir for Water Future
But the biggest boost will come with the Everglades Agricultural Area Reservoir, a $3.9 billion megaproject that aims to store and filter contaminated water from Lake Okeechobee before redirecting it south. According to Davis, this project is “a turning point to restore the flow of freshwater” and will have a direct impact on the health of Florida Bay.
For Paul Hindsley, chief economist of The Everglades Foundation, restoring this ecosystem is also a solid economic investment: for every dollar invested, four benefits are generated. This includes water security for households and industries, reduced exposure to droughts and floods, and reduced risks in natural disaster insurance.
The mangroves and reefs in southern Florida also play an essential role, acting as natural barriers against storms and extreme waves. “Protecting the environment is protecting the wealth of Floridians,” says Hindsley.
What is the function of the reservoir?
A reservoir is a water storage created, naturally or artificially, to store and regulate water flow. It serves a variety of purposes, including drinking water supply, agricultural irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, flood control, and recreational activities. The main function of a reservoir is to store and regulate water flow, allowing its use at different times and places.
Uses of Reservoirs
- Drinking water supply: Reservoirs are a crucial source of drinking water for populations and industry.
- Agricultural irrigation: Water stored in reservoirs is used for crop irrigation, ensuring agricultural production.
- Hydroelectric power generation: Reservoirs are fundamental for the production of electricity through hydroelectric power plants.
- Flood control: Reservoirs help mitigate the impact of floods by regulating river flow.
- Recreational activities: Reservoirs can be used for activities such as fishing, boating, and water sports.
In summary, reservoirs are vital structures for water management, allowing its efficient use for various human and environmental needs.
Source: AP.
