Committed to conserve, protect, and restore Florida’s distinctive natural resources and quality of life for future generations.
Before & After Restoration Efforts
RESTORE
Our Kings Bay Restoration Project is actively restoring acres of water habitat each year. Our goal: 92.4 acres restored by 2023.
PROTECT
We share how our marine ecosystem must be helped to thrive. We support both marine life and the lives of people who share this resource.
ADVOCATE
We promote science-based approaches to improve Florida waters. We lead efforts to optimize restoration, secure funding, and overcome obstacles to maintaining sustainable aquatic ecosystems.
Why has Crystal River Become Saltier?
Crystal River has become saltier because of saltwater intrusion. As developments pump freshwater out of the aquifer for drinking or irrigation, the saltwater aquifers under the freshwater aquifers begin to seep into the freshwater and contaminate it. Draining the aquifer not only leads to contaminated waters, but it also decreases spring venting and causes devastating sinkholes.
Riverbed Scars
You’ve probably seen those sandy lines along the river floor, running through the eelgrass (see picture above). These scars are caused by boat propellers. Scars can also be formed by using hooked anchors that uproot native eelgrass and leave sandy patches in the riverbed. While many boaters believe scraping the bottom is no problem, it takes time for eelgrass to grow back. Often, Save Crystal River will intervene and patch the scars before they fill with gunk and detritus.
Growing and Planting Eelgrass
The ability to transform an algae-based aquatic ecosystem into a plant-based system is the key to making Crystal River crystal clear. Eelgrass is vital to the health of our river. Interested in how it's done?
The Word Around Town
Save Crystal River has been instrumental in raising awareness on improving our water quality and keeping our community winsome for our residents and visitors. We are blessed to have them working with us.
This process of vacuum, clean, plant, and protect is a proven success.The return of grass beds, many species of fish, and the lyngbya-free oxygenated water that attracts them, is an environment that will yield dividends for Citrus County and it’s residents for decades to come.
Save Crystal River’s work is a cross between heavy construction and aquaculture. It’s amazing what they are achieving and the difference it makes to our community.
Save Crystal River provides an outstanding example of how a public-private partnership can accomplish much more than either could alone. This partnership is reclaiming Kings Bay one step at a time.
All I can say is WOW. I live on a portion of the Crystal River that has been very positively impacted by the work completed by SAVE CRYSTAL RIVER. What was once covered in Lyngbya and sludge is now covered in Rock Star eel grass. The water has become much clearer and many different species of fish have returned. I will say it again WOW! Keep up the good work!
I’ve been fortunate enough to grow up on Kings Bay and see the changes happen over the years. This Project initiated by SCR is by far the single most improvement of the Nature Coast. I got to enjoy the water sports and fishing as a kid, and now my family can see what I was lucky enough to enjoy. Thank You SCR!
The work that Save Crystal River is doing in cleaning up our river is wholeheartedly supported by the Chamber. Restoring our waterways is not only the right thing to do from an environmental standpoint, but for economic reasons as well.
