LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Let’s give the ‘Emerald Tutu’ a try if what we’re doing isn’t working
To the Editor:
Please open a new window of opportunity to embrace a new concept promoted by Northeastern University, and a fresh new approach introduced by Gabrial Cira, architect of the new “Emerald Tutu,” made of biodegradable recycled wood, burlap canvas and coconut fiber held in place by sequences of ropes. It becomes a floating network of interconnected, anchored massive organic growing modules, which dampens wave energy and reduces flooding, storm damage and erosion on shore while improving nearshore water quality. These biomass modules are seeded with marsh grass at the surface and are home to many seaweeds below the waterline, all of which add significant mass and frictional surface area and provide habitat for many types of creatures, human and marine.
This could not only promote a filtration system, but also provide healthy nutrients along the water’s edge.
Perhaps the Emerald Tutu concept will invite scientific research for protecting Lake O and other issues throughout the state of Florida, such as climate change, red tide, algal bloom toxins, cyanotoxins, PFAS, etc.
Those of us who are very aware of climate change –and political opportunists who read little – thank everyone who has diligently tried to find solutions. Thank you!
Louisa Vestner
Boca Grande
