First of all WASSSUPPP !! to all the folks here, its been a while since I post, it seems like when I am on the computer its for work and dont care to turn it on for fun.. ANYWAYS !!

I have been trying to find some information on this and cant seem to find anything, hope that the resident biologist or others can chime in. We had a great mini-season and opening season, but I have been noticing since about a year and a half ago that nasty algae on the bottom on the gulf side of cudjoe and it seems to be getting worse and worse, anyone have any clue as to what is causing it and is it gonna get worse. Could FAY have a had a good effect on this ? The area that I refer to is the area just south of Kemp Channel usually starting in about 10 feet of water and on out. I remember getting crystal clear almost bahama like waters there on many occassions before, it seems like the viz is permanently bad now.

I am coming down this weekend and hope to get out and explore, hope the storm did not hurt our waters or any others.

Most of all wanted to say hello to all AGAIN !!!

This Is Eddie (Key Colony Beach Weekend Resident) just a reminder for those whom I have exchanged conversations with in the past.

don't get too friendly with the grooper!

I am no expert but I grew up on Big Pine Key and moved to the center of the state in 1995 to go to college. I still go down for a month each year and I just got back from a vacation on Big Pine. I too saw the increased amount of algae in the chanels and the nearshore bay area. I feel the increased amount of algae in the area has alot to do with the increased nitrates in the water due to the leeching from inground septic tainks. I also feel the way to remedy this problem is for the Keys to go to a deep well injection system or a sewer line system. The only problem with that is the cost to the residents.
Their are many other factors which have alot to do with the increased amount of nitrates in the water, like the Everglades not being back like they should be yet (water flow), also the run off from the islands, but the septic issue I feel has alot to do with it.
Good luck on your trip down!

Just to keep you all up to date/speed. The Keys will be "mostly sewered" by 2010 as per state mandate.

Thanks for the info. That sounds great! Clear waters to come!!!!!!!!!!

2010? That is right around the corner. Is this a project that is well underway already or they start in 2010?

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Very much underway in many parts of the Keys.
Some of the Keys already are completely sewered (up and operating) Part of Marathon, Layton, Key Largo, part of Stock Island. All the incorporated areas are installing pipe and in some stage of building treatment plants. The unincorporated areas are a bit behind schedule.
State mandate - The Keys will be sewered by July 2010