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

Testing Relationship Between Algae Outbreaks and Health Concerns

Jul 26, 2023

Water infested with blue-green algae is not safe to swim in, play in or drink because of harmful toxins. Although, far less is known about what’s in the air regarding those same algae outbreaks. Calusa Waterkeeper & volunteers deploy ADAM, aka Aerosol Detector for Algae Monitoring, to monitor & sample air near algae outbreak hotspots.

New Tech Studying Blue-Green Algae in SWFL

Jul 21, 2023

Calusa Waterkeeper continues to deploy their high-tech ADAM devices around our local watershed for studying the blue-green algae outbreaks. Blooms are present on the lake, in the Caloosahatchee and along canals in Southwest Florida.

ADAM Testing Equipment Deployed as Blue-Green Algae Bloom Spreads to Cape Coral

Jul 20, 2023

A toxic blue-green algae bloom that’s been drifting around downtown Fort Myers has now spread to other areas, including the Cape Coral Yacht Club. Calusa Waterkeeper Codty Pierce deploys an aerosol detection for algae monitoring unit along the Caloosahatchee River near algae hot spots.

Toxic Blue-Green Algae Thickening in Caloosahatchee

Jul 14, 2023

A toxic blue-green algae bloom appears to be strengthening in the Caloosahatchee, as green slicks of the organisms are visible in Fort Myers. “I’ve been seeing it around the Edison Bridges and a little downtown,” said Calusa Waterkeeper Codty Pierce. “It’s that lime-green streaking at the surface.”

Blue-Green Algae near Downtown Fort Myers in Caloosahatchee River

Jun 23, 2023

Florida Department of Health officials confirmed that a blue-green algae outbreak in the Caloosahatchee River is toxic to humans and animals. DOH officials say the bloom is centered around North Shore Park and West First Street and Altamont Avenue in downtown Fort Myers.

Blue-Green Algae Blooms Spotted from Lake O to Fort Myers Shores

May 26, 2023

Once again, Lake Okeechobee is covered with blue-green algae blooms. According to NOAA, algal blooms covered about 260 square miles on the lake, especially in Fisheating Bay and along the western shoreline. The water on that western side eventually ends up in the Caloosahatchee.