Connecting You to Nature Winter 2024

in Water Quality Research — 2

Long-term Impacts of Red Tide Blooms on Loggerheads — 6

Leader

Winter 2024

Connecting You to Nature is published by SCCF, a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) founded in 1967 on Sanibel Island, Florida. Through stories about how we fulfill our mission to protect and care for Southwest Florida’s coastal ecosystems, we hope to deepen your understanding of how our land, water, and wildlife depend on our stewardship.

James

Evans,

CEO

Barbara Linstrom, Editor

Doug Cook, Design

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Kaitlin Alzapiedi, Denise Blough, Matt DePaolis, Jenny Evans, Chris Lechowicz, Kealy McNeal, Eric Milbrandt, Ph.D., Shannon Rivard, Kelly Sloan

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Shane Antalick, David Meardon

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Native Landscapes & Garden Center at Bailey Homestead Preserve

1300 Periwinkle Way (239) 472-1932

Sanibel Sea School info@sanibelseaschool.org (239) 472-8585

Main Office (239) 472-2329

SCCF Sea Turtle Hotline (978) 728-3663

Shorebird Inquiries shorebirds@sccf.org

www.sccf.org | info@sccf.org

P.O. Box 839, Sanibel, FL 33957

Calling All SCCF Family Members

Without you, SCCF couldn’t carry out its mission to protect and care for Southwest Florida’s coastal ecosystems. Whether you support us through meaningful volunteering or generous contributions, you are an essential part of the SCCF family.

The stories that follow both share our latest work with you and illuminate the pressing issues facing our barrier islands, including climate change, regulatory challenges, water quality threats, and continuing post-Ian recovery. At SCCF, our staff is engaged daily in addressing these evolving realities through science, education, and advocacy — work that couldn’t be completed without the generosity of our friends, partners, and donors.

Please take some time out of your busy lives to read this issue. Once you do, we hope you will be inspired to use the enclosed envelope to make your tax-deductible gift to support our mission-driven work.

Please call Development Director Cheryl Giattini at 239-822-6121 with any questions you may have about SCCF’s path forward and how you can help. Thank you in advance for your consideration of this sincere request for your support.

Thank you!

HOWYOU CANHELP

Please become a member or renew your membership by using the enclosed envelope or donating at www.sccf.org

Dear Members and Friends of the SCCF Family,

Welcome to our Winter 2024 edition of Connecting You to Nature where you’ll read about our ground-breaking research on sea turtles and red tide, our expanding role as a leader in water quality research and policy, and other ways that we are more committed than ever to protecting and caring for our coastal ecosystems.

I'm cautiously optimistic in reporting we are moving steadily towards the final phases of our post-Ian recovery. We are officially back in our renovated headquarters building on Sanibel-Captiva Road where we are enjoying the benefits of the new facility and its design for greater collaboration.

Our Board and staff are engaged in finalizing our 5-year Strategic Plan that will guide SCCF’s mission-driven work into the future. The plan includes many new and exciting initiatives that build on the great work we have accomplished over the past 55+ years.

James Evans, CEO

Our conservation mission continues through strategic land acquisition as well as restoration and management of wildlife habitat. All our public trails are now open except for the Erick Lindblad Preserve where contractors and our Wildlife & Habitat Management team are clearing debris.

Our Sanibel Sea School team finally returned to their home on the East End as they moved into the Kennedy building in early January. We hope to see you at our fundraiser, the Cause for the Campus on March 2, where we’ll be raising funds to complete essential renovations to the main building and other improvements.

Our Coastal Watch program is inspiring volunteers to adopt mangroves, clean up preserves, and immerse themselves in our unique ecosystems through critical oyster and mangrove restoration projects.

As a regional leader in water quality research, our Marine Lab is growing through key partnerships and dedicated monitoring efforts, providing the science needed for sound policy.

Nearly 15,000 residents and visitors are standing strong with our Environmental Policy team and the Protect Captiva coalition in opposing amendments to the Lee County Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Code that threaten the spirit of conservation and commitment to a low-rise, low-density ambiance that inspired the founders of SCCF more than five decades ago.

In January, the coalition filed a petition to challenge new regulations that increase building heights on Captiva and building heights and hotel density at South Seas Island Resort. Your continued support is critical to defeat these harmful land use changes.

Our community is also supporting a more resilient future, enhanced wildlife habitats, and improved water quality by purchasing more native plants than ever at our Native Landscapes & Garden Center.

Thanks to your generous support, we are realizing our collective vision of a Southwest Florida where wildlife and natural habitats exist in harmony with people and are protected by science-based policies.

With sincere gratitude,

James Evans Chief Executive Officer

Becoming a Leader in Water Quality Research

Five years ago, the SCCF Marine Laboratory went from operating out of a small former shell shop at Tarpon Bay to conducting research in a state-of-the-art facility built to withstand Category 4 hurricanes.

The new facility marked a significant leap forward, as the lab now serves both the region and the state as a leader in water quality research.

BEGINNINGS AT TARPON BAY

The Marine Lab was originally conceived in 1986, when the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge was reconfiguring its use of Tarpon Bay Marina. Former SCCF CEO Erick Lindblad saw an opportunity and asked if the marina’s old shell shop could be leased. One year later, the SCCF Southwest Florida Barrier Island Research Laboratory began conducting water quality monitoring and analysis.

For nearly a decade, the lab operated out of the small, ground-

level wooden building. When the Refuge took over management authority and the whole property at Tarpon Bay in the mid-1990s, it planned to demolish the old structure. But Lindblad asked if SCCF could continue to use it as a research lab.

EARLY 2000s CHALLENGES

When current Marine Lab Director Eric Milbrandt arrived in 2003, he was able to look past the shortcomings of the limited facility thanks to its ideal location for research in the field.

“For a marine scientist, it was a dream come true to be situated right on the waters we research and within a National Wildlife Refuge,” said Milbrandt. “It gives us easy and constant access to the coastal ecosystems that we protect and care for.”

There were often roof leaks during heavy rainfall typical of South Florida, and frequent hurricanes in 2004-06 caused evacuations of lab equipment, microscopes, computers, and other important items to SCCF’s headquarters at 3333 Sanibel Captiva Road.

RESEARCH IN THE REFUGE

Water quality samples are collected monthly at 10 sites in the Refuge and analyzed for chlorophyll (total algae biomass), nutrients (inorganic and total nitrogen and phosphorus), salinity, temperature, and dissolved oxygen. With the Refuge, the lab also operates and jointly maintains two continuous water quality sondes at Wulfert Flats and on Wildlife Drive.

The River, Estuary and Coastal Observing Network (RECON) also has a site in McIntyre Creek and at the mouth of Tarpon Bay (recon.sccf.org). The data are used to evaluate conditions and events such as red tide blooms, hurricanes, and rainy versus dry season conditions.

Seagrass is also evaluated annually and sometimes more frequently for percent cover, shoot density, and biomass.

“Generally, our findings show that seagrass has declined in some areas and remained stable in others,” said Milbrandt. “The causes of the declines are highlighted in a recent publication that showed that high volume discharges to the estuary over a long period cause declines in seagrass density.”

CREATING A NEW FACILITY

In 2011, after numerous electrical, lab safety, and hazardous chemical storage issues, the Refuge prioritized the old lab facility for replacement.

“SCCF worked closely with the Refuge staff to consider the best and most practical design for the new Marine Laboratory facility,” said Milbrandt.

The elevated lab, which was built to withstand 10 feet of storm surge, was instrumental after Hurricane Ian. All of its research equipment, boats, and trucks were available immediately for studying the impacts from the powerful storm.

The facility did not escape damage, however, with some nonstructural issues under review for repair in 2024.

STRONG BONDS WITH THE REFUGE

The lab’s research conducted in partnership with the “Ding” Darling Refuge remains strong and will continue for decades, with the memorandum of understanding between SCCF and the Refuge for the facility and marine science research still valid for another 23 years.

“The research we conduct with “Ding” Darling includes monitoring water quality, evaluating seagrass, and understanding water levels in the interior wetlands,” said Milbrandt.

SCCF’s work with the Refuge and “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society extends beyond the Marine Lab and includes research by SCCF’s

Habitat Management and Coastal Wildlife programs on prescribed fire, exotic plant control, rice rat (Oryzomys palustris sanibeli) habitat protection and restoration, shorebird nesting protection, and other projects.

POST-IAN CHALLENGES

The lab’s partnership in research and facilities with the Refuge continues steadfast despite a major hurricane, changes to the islands’ vegetation, and salt intrusion into ponds and wetlands.

“We are currently evaluating whether we can restore some of the wetlands in the west basin of the Sanibel Slough to improve Sanibel Island rice rat habitat while also addressing sea level

PARTNERSHIPS BEYOND THE ISLANDS

rise, climate change, and reduced local flooding within the City of Sanibel,” he said. “There are still many challenges ahead, despite our continued stewardship of bird and wetland protections.”

With many of those principles embodied in the City of Sanibel’s Comprehensive Plan, SCCF will continue to use science and the best available data to defend conservation together with our partners on the islands.

SCCF’s modern lab facility has attracted new expertise and research on Lake Okeechobee, the Caloosahatchee watershed, and the dynamics of algae blooms in the Caloosahatchee Estuary. These relationships with University of Florida’s Center for Coastal Solutions (UF-CSS), University of South Florida, Florida Gulf Coast University, Mote Marine Laboratory, and many others have strengthened the Marine Lab and brought some of the most difficult aspects of algal blooms and habitat losses in front of many experts in the field.

“Our facility, vessels, and visiting scientist housing combine to provide access to the living laboratory that surrounds us,” said SCCF Marine Lab Director Eric Milbrandt. “There are only so many resident scientists available to work at the Marine Lab, and we depend on outside expertise to continue to address some of the difficult challenges related to water policy, Lake Okeechobee, and development pressures.”

The publication of a landmark study on red tide conducted by the lab in partnership with UF-CSS and the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program in 2022 was one of the first to document the effects of anthropogenic nutrients. It revealed that human activities “fuel” the intensification of red tide blooms.

From Science to Policy

Like most problems in the world, environmental issues don’t tend to be straightforward.

What may seem simple at first can quickly become complex when the nuances are understood.

Take the example of a project proposing to establish massive aquaculture pens in the Gulf of Mexico. The solution seems straightforward — by growing fish offshore, we can decrease pressures on local species while providing a cheap, abundant source of seafood. However, knowing that red tide initiates offshore in the Gulf, can we be sure that stationing an intensely concentrated source of nutrients in that area is a good idea? What happens if there’s a large dieoff or escape?

You can see the double-edged sword forming.

“This is why crafting, passing, and managing policy becomes easier when you have objective facts to stand on. Effective environmental policy is born out of robust science,” said SCCF Environmental Policy Director Matt DePaolis. “Emotional appeals are fickle, but when you have data, you can be more confident you’re making the right decision.”

At SCCF, our science helps fill gaps in knowledge to influence policy.

“The policy department’s job is to translate the science conducted by our Marine Laboratory and our wildlife biologists into forms that can be understood by decision makers and the general public,” DePaolis said. “Sometimes this means relaying technical data to resource managers, while other times we need to craft concise messaging for advocacy and outreach.”

THE RESULTS OF THIS APPROACH ARE EVIDENT.

• An SCCF Marine Laboratory study in partnership with the University of Florida is being used to protect sea turtles from the impacts of red tide due to Lake Okeechobee management decisions.

• Data from our River, Estuary, and Coastal Observing Network (RECON) is used by water managers weekly to decide how to make lake management decisions.

• SCCF water quality sampling data was used to declare Pine Island Sound an impaired water body.

• Sea turtle monitoring data helped add Sanibel to a list of areas under review for designation as critical habitat for green sea turtles.

Stay up to date with SCCF’s policy and advocacy efforts by subscribing to our action alerts.

Long-term Impacts of Red Tide Blooms on Loggerheads and Their Offspring

During red tide blooms, sea turtles and other marine animals become exposed to neurotoxins called brevetoxins, which at high concentrations can cause wildlife mortality on mass scales.

While the immediate impacts of brevetoxin exposure have been heavily studied on sea turtles that wash up ill or dead during red tide events, little is known about longer-term effects of red tide blooms on sea turtles.

Starting in 2019, SCCF launched a four-year study on Sanibel Island examining the health and reproductive impacts of brevetoxin exposure on nesting loggerheads. The research came on the heels of one of the worst red tide events to ever strike Southwest Florida in 2018,

and identify correlations between brevetoxin exposure, long-term health impacts, and reproductive success. Partners included scientists, veterinarians, and pathologists from the Loggerhead Marinelife Center, Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, University of Florida, Fishhead Labs, and The Everglades Foundation.

Analyses revealed that nesting loggerheads had brevetoxin in their blood, and loggerheads that foraged in the Gulf of Mexico had significantly higher concentrations than those that use foraging grounds in the Caribbean.

when over 4 million pounds of dead marine life were collected on Lee County beaches.

During the study, SCCF researchers collected 428 blood samples from nesting loggerheads on Sanibel and over 1,500 samples from their eggs and offspring to determine brevetoxin concentrations and identify correlations between

Comprehensive health panels of the turtles revealed potential impacts on the turtles’ immune function and overall health.

“This provides evidence that brevetoxins potentially act as a physiological stressor that may continuously impact sea turtles and their offspring,” said SCCF Coastal Wildlife Director Kelly Sloan, lead author on the study.

The data also confirm that toxin transfer occurs from nesting female to egg/offspring and emergence success declined as hatchling brevetoxin levels increased. Hatchlings often had very high concentrations in their livers before they even emerged from the nest.

Brevetoxins were present in both hatchling livers and unhatched eggs, and these amounts were significantly correlated in samples from the same nest.

“The combination of climate change and increasing nutrient pollution will likely increase the incidence and intensity of harmful algal blooms like red tide. It’s important to consider the impacts of these blooms on threatened and endangered sea turtle health and reproduction,” Sloan said. “Prior to this study, there was a significant data gap on this topic in the policy realm and the lack of known impacts has effectively slowed federal protection.”

“This provides evidence that brevetoxins potentially act as a physiological stressor that may continuously impact sea turtles and their offspring.”

—Kelly Sloan, Director, Coastal Wildlife

Meet the Snowbirds

Let’s meet the snowbirds! All of these species can be seen on the islands of Sanibel and Captiva year-round, but most of them travel north during the summer months to breed before returning to Florida or farther southern areas of the globe to winter.

Willet (Tringa semipalmata)

Based on the past five years of SCCF’s monthly survey data, these six species appear to be increasing or remaining relatively consistent, meaning Sanibel and Captiva provide valuable habitat for these migratory shorebirds.

One of our largest shorebirds on Sanibel, willets appear dull and gray most of the time, but once they take flight, you can’t miss their bold black-and-white wing bars!

Sanderling (Calidris alba)

These tiny plump sandpipers are built for beaches! Sanderlings, unlike other sandpipers, lack a hind toe, allowing them to run at considerable speed across the sand.

Ruddy Turnstone (Arenaria interpres)

These arctic nesting shorebirds are known for and named after their interesting foraging behavior. Turnstones forage by flipping over objects or digging in search of food.

Nonbreeding willet

Breeding willet

Nonbreeding ruddy turnstone

Breeding ruddy turnstone

Nonbreeding sanderling

Breeding sanderling

Black-bellied Plover (Pluvialis squatarola)

Black-bellied plovers are commonly referred to as “grey plovers” in other parts of the world, as they only have their distinctive black belly during the breeding season. These birds have large eyes adapted for efficient nocturnal foraging.

Royal Tern (Thalasseus maximus)

Many royal terns migrate here with newly fledged juveniles. The adults feed their juveniles on our beaches for eight months or more after hatching.

Sandwich Tern (Thalasseus sandvicensis)

Sandwich terns are known as a relatively peaceful species. These birds form family groups that remain together for six months or more once chicks are born.

Nonbreeding black-bellied plover

Breeding black-bellied plover

Nonbreeding royal tern

Breeding royal tern

Nonbreeding sandwich tern

Breeding sandwich tern

Tailored Private Experiences for Families and Groups

Sanibel Sea School offers fully customized ocean experiences for groups tailored to ages, interests, and activity levels. We create memorable experiences for families, school groups, homeschool groups, corporate groups, and more!

LAND-BASED PRIVATE PROGRAMS

Dive into Sanibel’s unique ecosystems with marine science educators covering topics like dolphins, seagrass, mangroves, and more. Experience hands-on encounters with diverse creatures, from tiny seahorses to sandbar inhabitants — all in one day!

2-hour sessions at $60 per person (2-person minimum)

All ages are welcome; children under 4 must be accompanied by an adult.

PRIVATE PADDLING SESSIONS

Explore the ocean through stand-up paddling and kayaking led by our knowledgeable marine science educators. Tailored to group interests and abilities, sessions include skill evaluation and instruction for a safe and enjoyable experience. You may customize your adventure or seek suggestions beforehand.

2-hour sessions at $75 per person; recommended for ages 14 and above

All private programs are by appointment only. Call us at (239) 472-8585 or email sanibelseaschool@sccf.org and let us plan the perfect experience for your group.

DISCOVER BEACHCOMBING

Sanibel Island offers world-class beachcombing, birding, and wildlife-watching opportunities. Our knowledgeable marine science educators lead casual, guided beach walks to explore what’s washed ashore. These walks offer unique experiences each time — you never know what you might find!

Don’t miss out on our weekly guided beachcombing walks every Wednesday at Island Inn, open to both resort guests and the public.

Seasonal Wednesdays, 9 to 10:30 a.m. at $20/person

NOTE: Family-oriented; children under 16 need adult accompaniment.

Joey Garofano, Camp Coordinator, leads an informative guided beach walk at the Island Inn. Pictured here are resort guests with their favorite shells they picked up along the way.

A family enjoying a sunny day paddling on the water, guided by our marine science educators.

Youth Education Director Shannon Rivard leads a family in a land-based private program.

PLANTING NATIVE

Back to Basics

With continued post-Hurricane Ian interest in native landscaping, we’re sharing some of the basics to take into consideration when you’re in the planning phase. These tips are based on some of the most frequently asked questions at our Native Landscapes & Garden Center.

Consider your goals for the planting space.

Are you looking for privacy or screening? Would you like to create shade in your yard? Do you want to attract and support wildlife? All of these considerations help to guide you toward proper plant selection.

Choose species that grow to the size that you desire.

To reduce maintenance and allow the plant to grow to its full potential, choose species that get to the desired height and width (and no larger). Since you won’t need to prune the plant frequently, proper sizing will also allow it to flower and fruit to its full potential, providing benefits to our local wildlife.

Pay attention to the amount of sun and shade, as well as the amount of moisture in the desired area.

While our native species are often tolerant of wide ranges of conditions, they typically have a particular set of conditions where they thrive. A difference in elevation of a few inches may mean the difference between flooding or dry conditions during our summer rainy months. The direction of the planting in relation to a house may have an impact on the amount of sun and shade, which will change throughout the year. These features may have a direct impact on which plant species are suited for an area.

Make sure the plant gets a good start, including adequate watering to get established.

While many native plants are highly drought tolerant, they require a period of establishment to become fully acclimated. Depending on the species, this can sometimes take up to a year, but varies depending on the growth rate of the species, the size of the plant at the time of planting, and the specific location. Consider whether you will be able to provide water and other care to the plant while it is becoming fully established in your yard.

Thanks

Thanks for planting native and protecting our water quality, wildlife, and resilience!

Propagule Parenting’s Broader Mission

Coastal Watch’s Adopt-A-Mangrove initiative encourages local community members to “adopt” mangroves and nurture them at their homes. Participants will return their growing seedlings to us in the spring so we can plant them at one of our restoration sites. Our goal for our participants and community is to instill a deeper understanding and appreciation of mangroves in Southwest Florida.

We wrapped up our 2023 Adopt-A-Mangrove Program with immense gratitude! Thanks to our wonderful propagule parents, we adopted out 787 baby mangroves to 88 loving homes throughout Southwest Florida. The Adopt-A-Mangrove Program is more than just an act of nurturing and caring for these incredible plants. It’s the beginning of a broader mission to restore our shorelines, provide essential natural infrastructure, and promote equilibrium for biodiversity.

“Mangroves are not only vital for the health of our coastal ecosystems, they also play a crucial role in climate resilience and the future of our planet.”

— Kealy McNeal, Director, Coastal Watch

Recovery & Restoration

AfterHurricane Ian, Coastal Watch shifted its focus to the recovery of our community and our beloved natural environments. Coastal Watch quickly became the leader of volunteer recovery efforts on the island and the main point of contact for hundreds of volunteers. Coastal Watch volunteers took several trips this fall to plant mangrove seedlings at various SCCF restoration sites. We also reinstalled three new Beach Bucket stations that were destroyed in Hurricane Ian. This partnership with the City of Sanibel and Bailey’s General Store provides beachgoers with a convenient way to collect debris.

Between December 2022 and December 2023, Coastal Watch organized 45 cleanup events, engaged 650plus individual volunteers who logged more than 3,000 volunteer hours, and removed several thousand pounds of debris. They also planted 3,500 mangroves at several SCCF restoration sites.

“Coastal Watch and our army of dedicated volunteers have proven just how resilient our island community is – and will continue to be,” said Coastal Watch Director Kealy McNeal. “Thank you again to everyone who has volunteered their time and energy to Coastal Watch this past year!”

Plight

of the

Eastern Indigo Snake

In 2003, SCCF and the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge noticed the lack of recent sightings of eastern indigo snakes (Drymarchon couperi) on Sanibel and cooperatively began monitoring known historic areas for this species for two years.

This state (1973) and federally listed (1978) snake is the longest native snake (up to 9.2 feet) in the United States and is known for its beauty and gentle demeanor.

In 2012, SCCF partnered with the Orianne Society to begin the SCCF Pine Island Sound Eastern Indigo Snake Project to document, monitor, and research the remaining populations of the snake on the islands of Pine Island Sound.

“Eastern indigo snake populations, unlike some other listed species that are imperiled but mostly stable in their limited environments, are drastically decreasing with no end in sight,” said Lechowicz. “The primary cause of their decline is development, which results in the bisection of large tracts of land.”

This species has large home ranges that can extend over a mile, and the more roads they need to cross, the more fatalities occur. This threat is exaggerated with their most active season (the breeding season) from November to February, when Florida experiences high traffic. This is the reason they are extirpated, or no longer in existence, on Sanibel and Captiva and in major decline on Pine Island.

“Islands with boat access only such as North Captiva and Cayo Costa have the best chance of sustaining populations into the future,” he added.

SCCF is dedicated to gathering all the information we can to educate people about this gentle giant that is quickly disappearing.

If you see an eastern indigo snake on any island in Pine Island Sound, please report it to indigo@sccf.org.

“This was a common species on the island until the late 1980s, when sightings appeared to diminish, and the last one was documented at Ding Darling's Indigo Trail in February 1999.”

—Chris Lechowicz, Director, Wildlife

&

Habitat Management

Eastern Indigo Snake (Drymarchon couperi)