Apalachicola Bay is the source for 90% of Florida’s oyster harvest and is one of the nation’s great oyster grounds. It is also undergoing serious decline due to the increased salinity of the waters of the Bay.
The State of Florida is sueing Georgia in the U.S. Supreme Court in a desperate fight to limit Georgia’s consumption of water from the Chattanoochee and Flint Rivers. Alabama has joined the Florida effort since towns downstream are effected by this change in water flow..
The urban growth of Atlanta and North Georgia has doubled the usage of water from rivers which eventually flow into Apalachicola Bay. It is predicted that Georgia water usage will double again by 2035, which would turn Apalachicola Bay into a dead muck flat.
Both of Florida’s Senators are encouraging Floridians and those who love Panhandle oysters to support Florida’s efforts to save this vital crop from the sea.
(Photo: Florida Archives, Florida Memory)
