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

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.

“We do have an (air testing) unit near the river and the yacht club, and we are aware of blue-green algae presence there and we’re testing nearby,” said Calusa Waterkeeper Codty Pierce on Wednesday. “July and August are prime months because water temperatures seem to be higher than normal. And today the heat index is 108. So you’re close to the incubation temperature we use to grow cultures. The conditions are perfect for a super bloom.”

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s latest blue-green algae reports show concentrations in the Caloosahatchee River being near West First Street and Altamont Avenue.

Blue-green algae blooms during the spring and summer have become so frequent that folks like Pierce and some water quality scientists refer to it as a season.

“During peak bloom season we’re selecting sites we know are in distress and we are implementing the units, at least two every month,” he said. “But it is very expensive for the test kits and the … time.”