Cold snap threatens Southwest Florida marine life

SANIBEL, Fla.—Londa Melahn has been visiting the shores of Sanibel for 15 years, usually searching for shells like augers and tulips. This time, however, she found something different.

"The thing that I noticed more than anything else was the number of urchins, little purple urchins," said Melahn.

She also spotted some large nine-armed sea creatures and crabs, which she found unusual.

Mark Thompson, a marine lab research associate with the Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation, explained that a recent cold front is responsible for these washed-up creatures.

"Since around January 27, we have had a cold front come through, and water temperature has been dropping," said Thompson.

He highlighted the critical nature of these conditions, noting that the average temperature has been below 60 degrees for 11 days.

"The longer the period that you're below 60, the more effect it might have on these tropical species," said Thompson.

The impact of the cold doesn't stop at the beaches; its aftereffects extend to local ponds and lakes.

"You will always see some dead fish. But, you know, when you start seeing two or three dead fish per, you know, 10 yards, then it's probably something different," said Thompson.

Dead fish have been spotted lining the edges of Lake Park, a result of the chilly water temperatures.

"When it's chilly water temperatures, they'll go up to shallow water and just kind of lie on the surface and sunbathe and try to warm up," said Thompson.

If the cold persists, it could spell trouble for certain fish species.

"They're showing that snook start going belly up, you know, around 55 to 57," said Thompson.

Despite the unusual findings, Melahn sees it as a natural occurrence. "I guess it is nature's way," she said.