Midnight Pass, once a vital channel in Sarasota Bay, Florida, has been a subject of controversy and environmental concern since its closure. Understanding why Midnight Pass was closed requires delving into a history of failed attempts, governmental inaction, and significant ecological consequences. This exploration reveals the detrimental impact on water quality, marine life, and the local ecosystem.
The story of Midnight Pass’s closure is intertwined with the actions of Syd Solomon and Pasco Carter Jr. These individuals, despite later pleading financial hardship, initially financed several unsuccessful dredging projects aimed at opening the inlet. Facing these failures, they sought relief from the Sarasota County Commission. Unfortunately, the sympathetic response from commissioners resulted in inaction, leaving the crucial channel unreopened. This initial lack of effective intervention set the stage for the pass’s eventual demise.
Since the plugging of Midnight Pass, there has been a notable absence of decisive action from elected officials and environmental protection agencies to rectify the situation and safeguard Little Sarasota Bay. Despite numerous efforts, both within and outside the legal framework, no tangible changes have been implemented to restore the pass. In 1985, a group of concerned citizens formed the Midnight Pass Society. Demonstrating their commitment, they initiated a “shovel brigade,” briefly reopening the pass through manual labor. However, this grassroots effort was short-lived as government officials intervened, using bulldozers to close the small waterway once again. This forceful re-closure underscored the ongoing challenges faced by those advocating for the pass’s restoration.
The consequences of closing Midnight Pass have been far-reaching, dramatically altering the water quality within Sarasota Bay. This change has led to a significant decline in salinity-dependent, filter-feeding clams, a crucial component of the bay’s ecosystem. Furthermore, the oyster population has experienced devastating losses, with millions perishing due to the stagnant water conditions and increased sediment accumulation on the seafloor. The lack of water circulation, a direct result of the pass closure, has proven fatal to these vital filter feeders.
In recent years, the impact on seagrass beds has become alarmingly evident. Little Sarasota Bay has suffered nearly a 70% loss of seagrass coverage in Roberts and Little Sarasota Bays. Historically, three types of seagrass thrived in this area. Now, only Cuban Shoal weed persists, while Turtle and Manatee grasses have completely vanished. Some regions within the bay have experienced as much as a 90% reduction in seagrass coverage, highlighting the severity of the environmental degradation.
Midnight Pass historically played a crucial role in supporting the migration patterns of various marine species, including fish, shrimp, and marine mammals. The closure of the pass has had a direct negative impact on the local fishing industry. Years ago, due to the diminished accessibility to and from the Gulf of Mexico, the fishing industry relocated from this area. The blocked pass not only harmed commercial fishing but has also diminished the appeal of sport fishing and recreational boating in the region.
In conclusion, the closure of Midnight Pass, stemming from a history of unsuccessful dredging attempts and subsequent governmental inaction, has triggered a cascade of adverse environmental effects on Sarasota Bay. From declining water quality and decimated clam and oyster populations to the alarming loss of seagrass beds and the relocation of the fishing industry, the consequences are undeniable. Understanding why Midnight Pass was closed reveals a complex interplay of human actions and environmental repercussions, emphasizing the urgent need for effective solutions to restore this vital waterway.
