No one can deny that clean waters are critical to the future of the marine industry, and controlling the widespread use of fertilizers, particularly in farming, is a no-brainer when it comes to reducing the algae blooms we’re experiencing nationwide.
A recent report published by the University of Florida should be more than of casual concern to boating and fishing interests. That’s because the report concludes that current fertilizer bans and restrictions may not stop the algae blooms and nutrient pollution that menace waterways.
The UF reports claims there is not enough research on the subject. To be clear, the report does not address agricultural practices and mass fertilizer applications. Rather, it looks only at whether bans by scores of local Florida governments on seasonal fertilizer use helps stop algae, and UF contends there isn’t enough research. Not surprising, it proposes more studies.
To get the whole picture, it’s important to note this state-commissioned report comes from the UF Institute of Food & Agricultural Sciences, and it’s reportedly the result of lobbying efforts by the TrueGreen lawn care company (slap forehead!), so it’s easy to see the interest behind it. More importantly, it is certain to be cited going forward by interests that oppose fertilization restrictions.
In addition, a real fear now among boaters and environmental advocates is that Florida lawmakers now in session could end a measure passed last year that stopped new fertilizer bans. That ban will end July 1.
The UF report notes: “The assumption that residential fertilizer restrictions will reduce pollution to water bodies and improve water quality remains largely unclear. To fully understand the effect of fertilizer ordinances and other strategies to mitigate nutrient pollution and improve water quality, thorough study of the topic is required.”
According to reporting in the Tampa Bay Times, at least one scientist said the UF report failed to include one of her study’s findings — that applying fertilizer less frequently was significantly correlated with lower nitrogen pollution.
“I think the report missed the forest for the trees,” says Leesa Souto, whose extensive research in 2019 positively evaluated the effectiveness of local fertilizer ordinances in the Tampa Bay area. “In their report, they focused so much on peer-reviewed literature that they missed the real-world application. I don’t see how [local restrictions] couldn’t be effective in improving water quality.”
The danger in all this for boaters is that state lawmakers and regulators will fail to continue support for restrictions that are necessary if we hope our customers are free from annual blooms. Sadly, not enough is happening now.
Communities across the nation have spent billions of dollars to reduce nitrogen and phosphorus pollution from industrial, stormwater and wastewater sources, but it isn’t enough, as evidenced by the growing annual blooms of blue-green algae and red tide. In Lake Erie, virtually unlimited use of fertilizers and animal waste spread on western Ohio’s farm fields results in unacceptable amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus pouring into Ohio waterways.
Last year the EPA finally approved a plan in Ohio to ban manure and fertilizer applications on frozen or saturated ground in the Western Lake Erie Basin in accordance with the U.S. Clean Water Act. It’s notable that the CWA was passed more than a half-century ago and requires each state to develop total maximum daily limits for waters identified as impaired. Better late than never, Ohio farmers are now at least asked to voluntarily reduce the phosphorus-laden fertilizer while the state is reportedly working on a long-overdue daily limits on such pollutants.
The report from the UF Institute of Food & Agricultural Sciences will likely be used by all those who lobby against good regulations designed to reduce algae problems. It’s important that all marine industry interests (retailers, manufacturers, trade associations) stand ready to counter this by being actively engaged in supporting appropriate government actions that can put an end to harmful algal blooms.
