Issue:

Harmful Algal Blooms

microcystis aeruginosa

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.

Find Your Legislators

Calusa Waterkeeper joins the Center for Biological Diversity, Waterkeeper Alliance, Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) and Conservancy of Southwest Florida in submitted comments to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with the intent to develop a policy on the determination of a Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) and hypoxia as an Event of National Significance in freshwater systems. Read the comments now(PDF).

Troubled Waters

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Harmful Algal Blooms

Blue-Green Algae Returns to Fort Myers Shores

Jan 9, 2020

John Cassani said to see algae in the middle of the dry season is unusual. ”When it’s calm and the wind starts blowing, those tend to stick together,” Cassani said. “Then they produce polysaccharide that enables them to kind of glue together and forms those mats.” Cassani is talking about big green chunks seen in canals in 2018.

Health Department will Post Warning Signs for Blue-Green Algae Spotted in Calossahatchee

Jan 8, 2020

Just in time for the height of tourist season, patchy slicks of blue-green algae are showing up in the Caloosahatchee, including at one of the river’s popular access points, the Davis Boat Ramp. Although users launching boats and watercraft at the ramp saw no warning signs about the potential dangers of contact cyanobacteria.

Florida Officials Urged to Set Standards to Protect People, Wildlife From Harmful Algae Blooms

Nov 18, 2019

Calusa Waterkeeper, The Center for Biological Diversity and Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation are calling on the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to establish legal limits for cyanotoxins that pose severe health risks to people and wildlife.

Dead Sea Life, Red Drift Algae Piled up on Fort Myers Beach

Oct 20, 2019

Beachgoers felt the effects of water quality issues along some SWFL beaches. John Cassani, ecologist and founder of Calusa Waterkeeper, says red tide continues to cause fish kills along Fort Myers Beach, while the beach is also lined with piles of what appears to be red drift algae.

Battle Over Water and Public Health Returns to Florida Lawmakers

Oct 18, 2019

After the last prolonged outbreak of red tide and blue-green algae, it seemed every politician vowed to “do something.” The spin from the last session was that the Florida Legislature produced “the most Everglades-friendly budget in Florida history.”

Waterkeepers Florida Recommends State Standards for Cyanotoxins

Jun 20, 2019

Waterkeepers Florida submitted comments to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, as part of their triennial review process. In the letter, we lay out the history and importance of Florida accepting and codifying a numerical standard for cyanotoxins.