This continued and rapid population growth and associated urbanization have created numerous challenges for land and water managers. Living Resources and Ecosystems Charlotte Harbor is composed of seagrass, saltmarsh, and mangrove communities. No one has undertaken a detailed look at the life within the estuary, but there is no doubt that Charlotte Harbor supports valuable recreational and commercial fisheries for spotted sea trout, grouper, snapper, tarpon and several crustaceans. It is thought that about 30 endangered species can be found in the estuary and within its watershed. Land use practices, especially along the Myakka and Peace rivers, are beginning to have harmful effects on the estuary.
Phytoplankton blooms occur within the estuary.
Urban development is thought to be the primary reason for the loss of 29 percent of the seagrass and more than one-half of the saltmarsh habitat since 1945. The mangrove habitat however, has actually increased by about 10 percent during the same time period. Phosphates and chemicals have degraded water quality in the Peace River, and citrus waste, pesticide residuals, and peel oils have created other problems. The Peace River discharges have reduced the clarity of the water in the estuary and promoted phytoplankton blooms. This continued reduction of water clarity is having a harmful impact on seagrass communities.