Calusa Waterkeeper
In the News
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.
Toxin-producing algae has appeared in a Caloosahatchee canal in Alva
Alva resident Penny Ackerly, who spotted then reported the bloom, which she describes as “bright green streaks on the surface,” says she’s been seeing them “Every year since at least 2016.”
Fecal bacteria remains elevated in Fort Myers canal, city says
After nonprofit Calusa Waterkeeper found potentially dangerous levels of human fecal bacteria in Manuel’s Branch, an urban canal and creek in Fort Myers, the city’s Environmental Advisory Board heard an update on efforts to monitor and address the problem.
Fort Myers laid out response to fecal bacteria concerns at Manuel’s Branch
Manuel’s Branch had been an issue since at least 2021, when the Department of Environmental Protection found that the city failed to address long-term elevated levels of bacteria.
Group eager to help city with polluted creek, but can it be saved?
Manuel’s Branch’s fecal bacteria levels regularly test far above state safety standards according to both government data and independent testing. The problem is not new.
Dr. Gregg Poulakis to Headline Calusa Waterkeeper’s January State of Our Water Meeting
Calusa Waterkeeper will welcome Dr. Gregg Poulakis of the Fish and Wildlife Research Center, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to discuss the endangered smalltooth sawfish, sharing what is known about this unique species and what is being done to promote its recovery in the Caloosahatchee River and beyond.
Calusa Waterkeepers push city to act after finding fecal contamination in creek
Calusa Waterkeeper is calling on the city of Fort Myers to take immediate action after their independent testing revealed persistent human fecal contamination in Manuel’s Branch, a popular recreational waterway that flows through downtown Fort Myers.
Calusa Waterkeeper Finds Evidence of Human Fecal Contamination in Manuel’s Branch After Two-Year Investigation
A two-year investigation by local environmental group Calusa Waterkeeper has found evidence of human-source fecal contamination in Manuel’s Branch, a small urban creek located just south of Lee Memorial Hospital in Fort Myers.
Calusa Waterkeeper Publishes Human Source Tracking Investigation of Fecal Bacteria Pollution in Fort Myers Waterbody
Calusa Waterkeeper volunteers and staff have collected evidence of persistent human sources of fecal contamination to Manuel’s Branch. The group will be presenting to the City of Fort Myers Environmental Advisory Board on December 2nd, 2025.
EPA’s Narrowed Definition of WOTUS Threatens Water Quality
By narrowing the scope of waters protected under the Clean Water Act, this reinterpretation removes federal safeguards from many rivers, streams, lakes, wetlands, and other vital waterways.
DEEP DIVE: These chemicals kill toxic algae. But are they safe?
“I observed the (LakeGuard Oxy) application near Franklin Lock and Dam for 13 consecutive days and witnessed numerous label violations,” Cassani said.