Our water monitoring revealed higher-than-normal levels of E.coli counts at Escambia Slough, which is part of the drainage system for downtown Fernandina Beach, FL, beginning in 2018. In January, 2021, we conducted eDNA tests there and at nearby Egan’s Creek. These showed continued very high counts at Escambia and much lower, but still concerning, counts at Egan’s Creek. In response, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection has committed to further testing at both sites throughout 2021 to further pinpoint the source of contamination. SMRK will also continue to monitor at both sites.
