Protect Dolphins and Save Our Ocean from Nitrogen Pollution Protect Florida’s beaches, waterways and coastal marine ecosystems from nitrogen pollution. Stop nitrogen water pollution for healthy wildlife, clean water, and all of us that enjoy and rely upon the ocean for so much.

It takes a pride of individuals to save a dolphin. Meet Leesa Souto (MRC) and Marty Baum (Indian River Keeper).

Save Ocean from Nitrogen Pollution

How can you help get rid of green algal slime choking our shores and smearing our beaches?

Nitrogen is the worst pollutant in the world affecting the oceans because it causes harmful algal blooms, eutrophication and ocean dead zones (hypoxia), makes marine life more vulnerable to disease, reduces biodiversity in shallow estuarine waters, degrades ocean ecosystems and contributes to global warming. Algal blooms deplete dissolved oxygen, causing marine wildlife to suffer and become more vulnerable to toxins and disease.  Nitrogen in the blooms also produces nitrous oxide (N20), a greenhouse gas far more potent than carbon dioxide.  This contributes to global warming, which further degrades oceans by increasing acidity in the water as the oceans absorb more and more carbon.

The Ocean River Institute is educating and mobilizing individuals across the country for responsible land practices for stewardship of the ocean. We’re working with local groups in Florida on the Indian River Lagoon and in Cape Cod on Nantucket Sound. We’re doing the research necessary to pass lawn-fertilizing ordinances with municipal decision makers that will stop nitrogen water pollution when the waters are warming and algae is hungriest for nutrients to bloom. Reducing nitrogen and phosphorus during the summer will go far to restore beaches and the ocean.

In Florida:

In Florida’s marine estuaries, Dolphins are dying at alarmingly high annual rates. In 2008, 43 dolphins died in the Indian River Lagoon. In 2009, 48 dolphins died. Research has revealed that dolphin deaths are highest when chlorophyll and nitrogen levels are highest in the water. Slimy algae blooms are killing sea grasses by blocking out the light they need and dolphins are exhibiting skin-eating fungal infections. We are working to stop nitrogen water pollution by passing ordinances with county commissioners. Martin County is the first of these counties to pass an ordinance, which requires a holiday from fertilizing during the summer months, at least 50% slow release nitrogen, and respecting setbacks from waterways.

Take action: How we stopped water pollution in Florida

In Massachusetts: Save MA Ocean Waters from Nitrogen and Phosphorus Pollution in Stormwater Runoff

Off the coast of Massachusetts, the ocean waters in shallow Nantucket Sound turn brown-green every summer. The water is so murky with algae blooms that one cannot see their hand when elbow deep in water. ORI has begun work with Barnstable town officials to draft an ordinance that includes a fertilizing holiday from May 1st to June 21st, a ban on phosphorus for healthy lawns, requires at least 30% slow release nitrogen and respect for setbacks. ORI is launching an international campaign to educate, mobilize, and speak out for changing our practices on land to save the oceans.

Take action for Cape Cod and the Islands

If you'd like to help us save ocean wildlife from slime and toxic waters, contributions may be made online at www.oceanriver.org/support.php  or by personal check made payable to Ocean River Institute and mailed to Ocean River Institute, 12 Eliot Street, Cambridge, MA 02138, telephone is (617) 661-6647, email us at info@oceanriver.org

An ocean is a wonderful place, let's stop wasting it. Act to restore healthy oceans. Thank you for supporting our work.

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