ST. LUCIE COUNTY, Fla — WPTV is following up on environmental concerns in the Indian River Lagoon.
Local researchers told WPTV reporter Tyler Hatfield they found a low parasite population in the estuary, which could threaten the local ecosystem.
WATCH: A lack of parasites is causing concern
Hatfield went to the lagoon on Friday and met Michael Colon from Port St Lucie. He calls the lagoon his happy place.
"I love it," said Colon. "It's relaxing and beautiful."
Colon loves sitting on the sand and embracing nature.
"I love the fishing," said Colon.
For 15 years, Colon's been coming to a spot called Bear Point Sanctuary in St. Lucie County along the lagoon.
Colon said he doesn’t want it to change.
"I want to keep coming here," said Colon.
But local researchers said this spot is starting to change after finding that the parasite population in the lagoon is low compared to other similar estuaries.
"Most people have a pretty poor opinion of parasites," said Chris Moore, a post-doctoral researcher for the University of Florida.
Moore showed WPTV how they did their research along the lagoon at Bear Point Sanctuary.
While people may think a lack of parasites is good for an environment, Moore said they're a vital sign to show a healthy ecosystem.
"If the parasites aren't there, then that probably means that the hosts they need aren't there either," said Moore.
By hosts---Moore is talking about the rich wildlife that call the lagoon home.
"There's lots of host diversity, invertebrates, vertebrates, crabs, fish, sea turtles, dolphins, shore birds, you name it," said Moore.
A lack of parasites, Moore said, could mean trouble for the lagoon's ecosystem.
"Those hosts could be things that people do care about, that they like to eat, like types of crabs or fish that people like to catch," said Moore.
Moore said their findings are just another indicator that the habitat in the lagoon could be in danger.
"There's lots of things that, I think, are happening to an extent and the surrounding watershed that affect what we see here," said Moore.
Moore blamed algae blooms from Lake Okeechobee releases, septic and fertilizer run off.
"I think we need to be focused on cleaning up the water quality," said Moore.
Colon hopes his favorite spot can get better.
"Whatever they got to do to take care of the place, they should," said Moore.
