2024 Annual Report

Calusa Waterkeeper is proud to release our 2024 annual report, summarizing our accomplishments over the past year and higlighting some milestones from our first 30 years.

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Who We Are

Calusa Waterkeeper is guided by science to protect our water quality and human health. We fill a unique niche in Southwest Florida and would value your support!

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Fighting for Drinkable, Fishable, Swimmable Water

Volunteer Hours and Counting

Since 1995

Calusa Waterkeeper is a non-profit organization dedicated to the protection of the Caloosahatchee River & Estuary in Southwest Florida. This includes Lake Okeechobee & Estero Bay, plus the near-shore waterways of Lee County. We strive to achieve this mission through education and promotion of responsible use and enjoyment by all people.

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Thank you for all that you’re doing to improve our water quality and to educate us on changes we ourselves can make to help.

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Vicky C.
Cape Coral

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I have come to value the work of the Calusa Waterkeeper and its important voice in our community advocating for cleaner water. Keep up with the good work!

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Stephen B.
Clewiston

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We appreciate all that you do for our community and water quality. Great Job! Thank you, The Jensens.

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Jensen’s Marina
Captiva

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Thank you Calusa Waterkeeper and John Cassani for all you do to educate the public about the water quality crisis we are facing in SWFL.

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Denny S.
Fort Myers

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Thanks to CWK for relentlessly using science and public outreach to fight for clean water in SW Florida! We all benefit.

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Gerri R.
Fort Myers

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I have learned so much as a volunteer Ranger with Calusa Waterkeeper. Excited to continue!

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Mark D.
North Fort Myers

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Happy to renew our membership and keep you on the front lines. Thank you for all you do.

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Scott & Christine M.
Cape Coral

Explore the Issues

Waterways around the world are under attack by pollution and mismanagement. Southwest Florida is no different.

Calusa Waterkeeper is focused on several local action items as well as state and national policies affecting our waters and quality of life.

We think you’ll agree, these are causes worth fighting for.

Learn the Issues

Recent News

Calusa Waterkeeper to host Pollution and Pragmatism: The Caloosahatchee Watershed at July State of Our Water Event

Jun 23, 2025

SCCF Environmental Policy Director Matt DePaolis will present Pollution and Pragmatism: The Caloosahatchee Watershed. Come meet our new Waterkeeper, Joe Cavanaugh, and hear our State of the Water Address. Ranger Zone Leaders will provide an update on conditions around the watershed.

Is the Caloosahatchee headed for an algae bloom? Some places already greening up

Jun 4, 2025

Already, cyanobacteria is blooming upriver, streaking shorelines from the rural community of Alva east of I-75 to Fort Myers Shores, some five miles from downtown.

Calusa Waterkeeper (CWK) Statement on Amended Consent Order Between City of Fort Myers and Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP)

May 28, 2025

Calusa Waterkeeper has spent years advocating about high bacteria levels in local waters Manuel's Branch and Billy's Creek. Florida Department of Environmental Protection has bent over backwards for the City of Fort Myers, and recently extended their 2021 consent...

Tarpon Fly Fishing Invitational Casts for Conservation and Community Support

May 22, 2025

More than just a premier fly-fishing event, the Invitational is a growing force for good—bringing together passionate anglers, conservation-minded brands, and community leaders to support Calusa Waterkeeper’s mission to protect Southwest Florida’s waterways.

Joe Cavanaugh Named New Calusa Waterkeeper, Continuing Non-Profit’s Legacy of Advocacy and Stewardship of Southwest Florida’s Waters

May 19, 2025

Cavanaugh brings decades of experience in marine science, water quality monitoring, and community engagement to the role.

Calusa Waterkeeper sounds the alarm for harmful bacteria in Manuel’s Branch

Apr 23, 2025

Fox 4 Meteorologist Andrew Shipley joined Calusa Waterkeeper who has been testing our waterways for Fecal Indicator Bacteria (FIB) for years. One of the places that Calusa Waterkeeper says they are seeing the highest amounts of FIB, is at Manuel’s Branch in Fort Myers.

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