Calusa Waterkeeper
In the News
Fish kill reported at Galt Preserve in St. James City
Calusa Waterkeeper Codty Pierce responded to a fish kill report at the preserve, he saw a school of fish at least 30 to 40. The smell is still in the air, despite the fish being removed from the water.
Waterkeeper Has Eyes on The Seagrass
Calusa Waterkeeper has announced the start of the “Eyes on Seagrass” pilot program in Lee County, a program developed and managed by Florida Sea Grant in partnership with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Scientists.
Exploring Environmental Interconnectedness and Stewardship through the Eyes on Seagrass Program
Spanning along Florida’s extensive coastline are 2.7 million acres of seagrass meadows, serving as vital ecosystems that provide a food source and habitat for many commercially and recreationally important fishery species. Beyond their ecological significance, these meadows play a crucial role in enhancing water clarity, stabilizing shorelines, and sequestering carbon and nitrogen.
Green Algae replacing what once lush sea grass meadows in Matlacha Pass
Sea grass is such an important part of our environment here in Southwest Florida. It provides habitat for our fish and food for our manatees. But unfortunately, that sea grass is going away and is being replaced by green algae. Meteorologist Andrew Shipley spent the day with Calusa Waterkeeper Codty Pierce to get a closer look at this problem.
Calusa Waterkeeper talks building vertical oyster gardens
On Monday, April 8, the Calusa Waterkeeper sponsored an event at the Saint James City Civic Center, wherein they gave a presentation on the science of oysters and how to build a Vertical Oyster Garden.
Calusa Waterkeeper Hosts Successful Vertical Oyster Garden Workshop
Calusa Waterkeeper, is thrilled to announce the successful completion of its Vertical Oyster Garden (VOG) workshop, held at the St. James City Civic Association on April 8, 2024. The organization plans to host several VOG workshops in 2024 to engage individuals, communities, students, and businesses in the fight for clean water.
Army Corps resuming releases of polluted Lake Okeechobee water down the Caloosahatchee
Lake Okeechobee discharges are flowing again as parts of the Caloosahatchee River have slowed to a crawl in recent days.
Revised petition for clean, healthy waters going out
Lee County voters who signed a petition to qualify a proposed “Right to Clean and Healthy Waters” Constitutional Amendment for the 2024 ballot will soon receive a 2026 petition in the mail, according to FloridaRightToCleanWater.org — the organization behind the statewide effort.
Calusa Waterkeeper recognizes champions for clean water at annual meeting held at The Westin Cape Coral Resort
Calusa Waterkeeper proudly presented its annual champions for clean water awards to individuals who have worked tirelessly in the fight for clean water.The award presentation took place at the Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village.
The Florida Legislature needs help understanding the root cause of declining water quality
Apparently, the root cause of water impairment is a mystery to the Legislature despite Florida’s long-standing history of water quality decline that parallels the state’s explosive growth. The documented casualties have been wetlands, wildlife habitat, public health and the economy.
It’s easy to find fecal pollution in SWFL waters; what’s hard is finding how to stop it
Calusa Waterkeeper Codty Pierce samples the Caloosahatchee for fecal bacteria in east Fort Myers. His nonprofit has been monitoring area waterways for signs of trouble for years – and often finds them.
A New Leader For The Waterkeeper
Southwest Florida Environmental nonprofit Calusa Waterkeeper has hired Connie Ramos-Williams as its new Executive Director. Ramos-Williams will work with Waterkeeper Codty Pierce to safeguard the region’s water resources, promote environmental awareness, and advocate for policies that protect and enhance water quality.