On Thursday, the Lake Okeechobee stood 9.2 feet above sea level, and is approaching the record low of 8.97 feet, set during the drought of 2001. The South Florida Water Management District is taking advantage of the drought to remove the thick layer of pollution-laden muck that is hampering the growth of aquatic vegetation and contributing to harmful algae blooms. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) fisheries biologists are sure that the loss of sub-aquatic vegetation from high water and much has resulted in the loss of several year classes of bass and speckled perch. But they are very optimistic that the de-mucking will go a long way to restoring essential fish habitats.

Drainage canals and ditches, and well as the retired practice of backpumping agricultural runoff, have long ushered the muck and nutrients into the world famous fishery and waterfowl destination. According to district officials, the $11 million, three-month-long project will remove up to 280 tons of phosphorous. Large volumes of nitrogen will be removed as well.

The project has begun in Fisheating Bay, on the northwest side of the Lake. The de-mucking will also take place in six other areas on the western and southern shores of the Lake. The muck will be spread on agricultural lands, or to cover landfills.

The project will not, however, fix the problems at their roots. Susan Gray, the district’s Lake Okeechobee Programs’ Director, told the Sun Sentinel that home owners to stop fertilizing lawns and recognized that better management practices are needed for agriculture.