Sea Level Rise and the Everglades

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Connections between South Florida's American Indian tribes and the Everglades are great, and how the Everglades experience rising seas will be directly influential on how the tribes do.

The Everglades depends on mangroves to filter pollution, to hold nutrients and to provide food and nesting for more than 443 species, but with sea level rise, this important flora may not be able to keep up with new water flows. The results can be dire.

  • Rising seas may cause the Everglades to drain at a slower rate, negatively impacting wood stork populations, an endangered indicator species of the state of the Everglades.
  • Increased coastal flooding and erosion causes dissolved organic matter and nutrients to flow into bay waters, affecting animals, plants and reefs. 
  • The 16 endangered species and four threatened species in Florida may become increasingly landlocked.

Furthermore, warm waters evaporate at a higher rate, which makes the water saltier, which can damages coral reef, fresh water wells and the ability to grow crops.

 

 

 

Mini documentary on the impact of sea level rise on the Everglades 

 

 

Infographic of sea level rise impact on animal and plant species in the Everglades

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Sea Level Rise and the Everglades