#Repost @ethically_elizabeth (@get_repost) ・・・ A heart wrenching video by @paulnicklen, depicting the dire situation in South Florida right now. This infestation of toxic algae has inundated beaches and waterways, killing manatees, turtles, sharks, fish and seabirds at an alarming rate. A significant contributor to the issue is nutrient pollution from agricultural run-off, correlated largely to the #BigSugar industry, years of mismanagement of #LakeOkeechobee and lackluster efforts by Florida politicians to rectify the situation. • The toxic Cyanobacteria has hepatotoxic (chemical driven liver damage), neurotoxic (permanent or reversible damage to the nervous system) and cytotoxic (toxic to cells, potentially resulting in death to most or all cells in an organ or tissue) effects on human and non human animal health. These animals die painfully and slowly. Meanwhile, people are being rushed to hospitals complaining of respiratory issues. • Top veterinarians were on location to address this tragic situation. However, none of the animals could be saved, all were euthanized. This is happening to THOUSANDS of animals across south Florida on both coasts, as toxic water is flowing from Lake Okeechobee into the St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee Rivers, causing hypoxic conditions. • Help put pressure on political forces to save South Florida waters. Please share this information and visit the link in my bio to sign a petition. Contact Governor Rick Scott and Senator Marco Rubio to urge them to take action. Their numbers are below. #BoycottSugar #CallToAction #SaveFloridaWildlife • Governor Scott - (850) 488-7146 Marco Rubio - (202) 224-3041 • 🎥 @paulnicklen @sea_legacy