EstuaryWatch Data Portal

An artificial estuary opening was performed @ 6pm at low tide to introduce some much needed saltwater into the estuary to improve the chances of survival for resident bream (of all age classes) that were experiencing a winter kill event. This event was caused by the introduction of very cold freshwater into the creek, which lowered their immune systems allowing a parasitic infection to infect their eyes and skin, causing many fatalities. The opening performed was very deep to allow for the introduction of a significant amount of warmer saltwater into the estuary, which also allowed for the migration of the Bream out to sea.  Given the urgency of this situation the opening was performed at low tide.