Issue:
Harmful Algal Blooms
Blue-green Algae (Cyanobacteria)
Cyanobacteria is one of the oldest types of lifeforms on Earth and is found primarily in freshwater systems. There are thousands of species of cyanobacteria and many are known to produce a variety of toxins.
Cyanobacteria is a photosynthetic microorganism that processes sunlight, nitrogen and phosphorous to live. They can regualate their position in the water column for optimal light and thrive in warm, nutrient-rich fresh or brackish water with low turbulence.
Microcystis and Anabaena are two of the most common cyanobacteria found in estuarine systems today. These bacteria are known to produce cyanotoxins dangerous to humans and animals. Microcystin and Anatoxin are classes of hepatoxin and neurotoxin, affecting the liver and brain, respectively.
Human and animal exposure to Cyantoxins comes in three primary forms of contact:
- Dermal contact
- Inhalation or aspiration from aerosolized surface water
- Ingestion
Harmful algal blooms have severe impacts on human health, aquatic ecosystems and our economy.
Red Tide (Karenia brevis)
Red tide is a marine dinoflagellate found in saltwater, and has been known to inhabit the Gulf of Mexico throughout recorded history. Red tide blooms have been increasing in scope and intensity within the last 30 years. Red tide has also occurred throughout the Gulf and Atlantic Coast, reaching as far as North Carolina.
Karenia brevis can utilize at least 12 different forms of nutrients and also consume other single cell organisms for food. They are capable of motion and directed swimming allowing them greater access to nutrients.
Red Tide produces brevatoxins which can be deadly to many sea animals and often causes acute respiratory symptoms in humans. Aerosolized health effects include irritation of the eyes, nose, throat and lungs and exacerbating occurrences of respiratory distress, bronchitis, asthma and pneumonia. Brevatoxin can also have a serious impact on the marine food-chain, contributing to shellfish poisoning and gastrointestinal disorders.
Take Action
Contact Your State Legislators
Calusa Waterkeeper calls on citizens and stakeholders to urge elected officials and responsible agencies to take the following ten actions:
The toxic blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) often stretching from Lake Okeechobee to our west coast is the result of decades of failed water policy implementation. A perfect storm of lax enforcement and under-funding at the local, state and national levels has culminated in the historic harmful algae blooms (HABs) that plagued our region in 2018 (and so many other years).
If political leaders fail to take action, history is doomed to repeat itself year after year, causing catastrophic harm to our ecosystem and our economy.
The science is clear on what needs to be done.
What has been lacking is the political will to enact the regulation and legislation required to begin to reverse these problems. We look to you, as informed citizens, to proactively communicate your water quality concerns to newly elected officials. It will take a groundswell of voices if we are to affect change in Tallahassee during this coming legislative session.
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Related News Stories
Harmful Algal Blooms
Experts discuss health risks of harmful algal blooms in Southwest Florida
Researchers and environmental advocates gathered at Florida Southwestern State College to address the health and environmental impacts of harmful algal blooms, including airborne toxins and neurological effects.
Water experts examine how algal toxins may affect brain health in SWFL
Water experts are holding an event this morning to keep up with the state of Southwest Florida’s water. Calusa Waterkeeper says the main presentation will look at how algal toxins may play a role in brain health. The discussion will go as far as examining how algal toxins relate to neurodegeneration and Alzheimer’s disease.
Dolphin dementia: Florida scientist to share research, talk about algae
A recently published article explores whether their brains may warn that Florida’s algae blooms pose not just ecological risks, but neurological ones as well. Researchers posit the doomed marine mammals might have dementia caused by toxins produced by cyanobacteria, commonly called blue-green algae.
Troubled Waters
With this much nutrient pollution continuing to enter our waters statewide, it should be no surprise that blooms are occurring despite the (dry) season.
Why is blue-green algae lining miles of SW Florida’s Caloosahatchee?
The algae stretches for miles along the Caloosahatchee: clouding the shoreline, murking up canals and choking oxbows, a dull avocado taint that signals nothing good.
Toxic algae blooms reappear in Caloosahatchee, sparking health warning
Health officials are warning of an algae-contaminated canal in Alva – the second time in the same place since January – and observers report blooms in LaBelle: at the town’s Nature Park and municipal dock, as well as in Moore Haven, close to Lake Okeechobee.
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Priority Issues
Harmful Algal Blooms
Cyanobacteria & Red Tide
Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) and Karenia brevis (red tide) have been making major impacts on Southwest Florida.
Lake Okeechobee Discharges
Revise System Operating Manual
The Caloosahatchee River often suffers from too much freshwater in the wet season, and not enough freshwater in the dry season.
Cape Coral Spreader Canals
Nutrient & Sediment Loading
The City of Cape Coral is working to remove large storm-water barriers to make recreational boating more convenient.
Bacteria Monitoring
Fecal Indicator Bacteria
Calusa Waterkeeper has been at the forefront of monitoring this Fort Myers tributary for fecal bacteria indicators.