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

Looking for our exclusive HAB documentary?

Learn More

Harmful Algal Blooms

Is the Caloosahatchee Heading for an Algae Bloom?

May 26, 2023

A number of things point to a looming explosion of the one-celled organisms commonly called blue-green algae, many species of which occur naturally in Southwest Florida fresh water. Though they’re critical to natural systems, when they multiply, they can be trouble.

Large Algae Bloom Spotted on Florida’s Lake Okeechobee

May 24, 2023

According to the Calusa Waterkeeper, NOAA estimated that algae now covers over 35 percent of the 730 square mile lake. Health officials advise residents and visitors to exercise caution in and around the lake until further notice.

Algae Swirling on the Gulf Coast Brings a Stink Near Matlacha

May 12, 2023

Algae swirling in the Gulf Coast is bringing a smelly odor to the air. It’s happening around the waters of Matlacha. It floats up from the bottom of a water body in big floating patches and can pile up on a shoreline.

Red Tide Bloom Waning in Some Spots but Still Prevalent Elsewhere in Gulf

Mar 17, 2023

The latest red tide bloom seems to be losing strength in Lee and Collier counties as higher brevetoxin counts have been reported in the Tampa Bay area in recent days. Background to medium levels of red tide (Karenia brevis) were reported across both counties.

Red Tide Causes Respiratory Irritation and Hundreds of Thousands of Dead Fish on our Coast – What Can We Do?

Mar 15, 2023

For the last several weeks, red tide has brought intense respiratory irritation to beachgoers, hundreds of thousands of dead fish, and several dead sea turtles and dolphin to our beaches.

Florida Visitors Discovering Unpleasant Surprise at Beaches – Red Tide

Mar 10, 2023

Spring breakers are flocking to Florida in hopes of enjoying clear water and white sand beaches, but many are instead discovering red tide. Vacationers have posted photos on social media of dead fish washing up on the shores.