Calusa Waterkeeper
In the News
Florida Visitors Discovering Unpleasant Surprise at Beaches – Red Tide
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.
Warm Gulf Waters Could Mean Stronger Storms & Algae Blooms
Gulf of Mexico water temperatures are running on the high side this year, which could trigger anything from afternoon thunderstorms to early animal migrations. Various weather outlets say water temperatures are hovering around 80 degrees near Fort Myers Beach.
U.S. Congressman Byron Donalds Retries Bipartisan Bill on Harmful Algal Blooms
The name is a bit different but the intent is the same in a bipartisan bill reintroduced by Naples U.S. Congressman Byron Donalds this week: help algal bloom-affected communities get federal help while advancing research on the human health effects of the outbreaks.
Red Tide Bloom Gaining Strength in Some Areas
A red tide bloom along the Southwest Florida coast appears to be spreading in size, with recent reports from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission showing counts of 1 million cells per liter and higher in Lee County, with the bloom stretching from Tampa Bay to Florida Bay.
Captain Codty Pierce Chosen as the New Calusa Waterkeeper
We’re excited to announce the selection of Captain Codty Piece as the next Calusa Waterkeeper. Codty is a native of Lee County and lifelong outdoorsman, growing up fishing our area waters and spending many years observing the hydrology and environments of the watershed.
Researchers Measure Water Conditions that Lead to Red Tide in SWFL
Researchers from Florida Gulf Coast University and the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation take water samples from depths of 45 feet in the Gulf of Mexico to right off the shore of Sanibel and several spots in between to better understand our water quality issues.
Fecal Bacteria Counts High in Many Protected Rivers & Creeks in Lee County
Some tributaries flowing into the Caloosahatchee River and Estero Bay are polluted with fecal coliform bacteria, with counts going well above the criteria used to determine whether or not a beach is safe for swimming.
Everglades Progress Report: Scientists Point to Need for Water Storage & Climate Planning
The National Academy of Sciences produced a 318-page “Progress Toward Restoring the Everglades: The Ninth Biennial Review” as an independent look at how things are going as the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) turns 23.
Red Tide Lurking in Southwest Florida
The red tide organism, Karenia brevis, was detected in 69 samples collected from and offshore of Southwest Florida over the past week. Bloom concentrations (>100,000 cells/liter) were present in 14 samples: three in Manatee County, one in Monroe County and 10 in Lee County.
Experts Warn of Contaminated Water at Lee County Beaches
Southwest Florida water experts are warning beachgoers, boaters, and the like – go in at your own risk. Calusa Waterkeeper and the Department of Health samplings show how even at beaches like Lynn Hall Beach Park, bacteria is showing in high amounts.
New Bacteria Sampling Results Released
January bacteria sampling results include new locations this month like Bunche Beach, Hendry Creek, Mullock Creek, Spring Creek, and Estero River! Take a look at Pine Island; the results were very high this month all around.
Florida’s Growth and Development Stymie Attempts to Restore Polluted Waters
Although Florida voters support water quality initiatives, they elect officials who are unwilling to make meaningful policy changes to stop water pollution throughout the state and in our own local watershed including the Caloosahatchee.