Algae Streaks Caloosahatchee’s Upper Reaches Again

After a brief reprieve (to the naked eye, at least) from the toxic algae that had tainted the Caloosahatchee River since June, cyanobacteria appears to once again be clinging to the river’s upper shoreline.

Calusa Waterkeeper John Cassani flew over eastern Lee and Hendry counties Friday and photographed algae near the Alva bridge, Fort Denaud and in upriver oxbows.

Though he’s not positive what species it is, “it certainly appears to be a cyanobacteria species, probably Microcystis or Anabaena,” Cassani said.

Both types produce potent toxins that research has linked to neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, along with other problems including liver failure.