Learn the Issues

Caloosahatchee River & Estuary

67 miles long, the river was once shallow and winding with oxbows.
Now regulated waterway for navigation and discharge of Lake Okeechobee water releases.
Watershed west of Lake O developed and over-drained, sending even more polluted waters to the estuary.
World famous for its inshore fishing, the river is known to be where the first tarpon was caught by rod and reel in 1885, forever changing angling history.

730 square miles, the 2nd largest freshwater lake in the continental US.
Nationally recognized largemouth bass and black crappie fisheries, and a catfish commerical fishery.
The five counties surrounding the lake estimated more than $117 million of freshwater fishing retail sales in 2000.
Pre-1900’s water quality was described as clear and alkaline, and bottom sediment was “clean sand.”

Florida’s first Aquatic Preserve, designated in 1966.
Designated as Outstanding Florida Waters because of exceptional ecological significance.
Rapid urbanization of the area requires special attention to runoff.

Farm & urban runoff introduces nutrients into the watershed.
Nutrients exceed natural levels, promoting cyanobacteria growth.
Cyanobacteria become so abundant it consumes most of the available oxygen.
Fish and other aqutatic life suffocate; seagrass shrouded from light dies.
Bacteria and other pathogens become an increasing threat throughout our watershed.

Cyanobacteria produce a number of cyanotoxins, each with unique risks.
Headaches, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and respiratory paralysis potentially leading to death are only a few of the health risks.
BMAA, produced by some cyanobacteria, is linked to Alzheimer’s, ALS, and Parkinson’s disease.
Even pets face risk, at least 58% of cyanotoxin poisoning proves fatal to dogs.

In 2015, Florida Realtors concluded that homebuyers consider algal blooms and water discharge events when making offers; recurring algal blooms distresses home prices.
A one-foot increase in water clarity increases Lee County property values by approx. $541 million.
Only single-family homes on or within easy walking distance of water bodies were considered; the effect on condominiums and other properties would prove equally significant.
This estimate is just a drop in the bucket compared to the overall economic impact of water quality on leisure, recreation, and marine industries in Lee County.