Calusa Waterkeeper
In the News
‘Protecting the Taxpayers’: Florida Water District Sues Fired Builder on C-43 Reservoir Project
Lawsuits have been flying as the South Florida Water Management District and its fired contractor quarrel over a soured $560-million deal to build the C-43 reservoir.
More Cyanotoxin Warnings in the Caloosahatchee as Algae-Tainted Lake O Releases Paused
A week into hurricane season, as concerns over algae blooms mount, Caloosahatchee river watchers don’t have to worry about Lake O making things worse – at least for the moment. But there are algae hotspots to watch out for in Fort Myers.
Lake O is High at the Start of Hurricane Season and Why that Matters
Lake Okeechobee is over a foot above its target level at this time of year, and heavy rains have fallen across much of the state recently. The big question for our area is: will we see heavy releases when there’s a toxic blue-green algae bloom on Okeechobee?
Blue-Green Algae Blooms Spotted from Lake O to Fort Myers Shores
Once again, Lake Okeechobee is covered with blue-green algae blooms. According to NOAA, algal blooms covered about 260 square miles on the lake, especially in Fisheating Bay and along the western shoreline. The water on that western side eventually ends up in the Caloosahatchee.
Is the Caloosahatchee Heading for an Algae Bloom?
A number of things point to a looming explosion of the one-celled organisms commonly called blue-green algae, many species of which occur naturally in Southwest Florida fresh water. Though they’re critical to natural systems, when they multiply, they can be trouble.
Waterkeeper Alliance Calls on Congress for Safeguards After Supreme Court Delivers Blow to Clean Water Act
From Waterkeeper Alliance: Court’s decision prioritizes polluting industries over clean water and public health and ignores decades of legal precedent, science, and Clean Water Act protections.
Large Algae Bloom Spotted on Florida’s Lake Okeechobee
According to the Calusa Waterkeeper, NOAA estimated that algae now covers over 35 percent of the 730 square mile lake. Health officials advise residents and visitors to exercise caution in and around the lake until further notice.
Algae Swirling on the Gulf Coast Brings a Stink Near Matlacha
Algae swirling in the Gulf Coast is bringing a smelly odor to the air. It’s happening around the waters of Matlacha. It floats up from the bottom of a water body in big floating patches and can pile up on a shoreline.
Caloosahatchee C-43 Reservoir Contractor Fired! SFWMD District Evaluates Next Steps
Construction of the C-43 reservoir is on hold after the South Florida Water Management District fired the contractor. The $560 million-plus job has been troubled for years with project end dates continuously moving out farther.
Recent Rains Send Pulse of Nutrients and Pollutants to Gulf of Mexico
Experts say high loads of pollution are flowing to the Gulf of Mexico in the aftermath of a series of storms that brought summer-like rains to the Sunshine State. Several inches of rain fell across South Florida and much of that water quickly washed off the landscape.
Writer & Environmental Advocate Named Collier County Waterkeeper
Ray Bearfield was appointed as the Collier County Waterkeeper, a local chapter of a nationwide effort to protect America’s waterways. Bearfield, 72 attended East Tennessee State University and moved to Naples in 1976, when he became a freelance writer and fishing guide.
Understanding How Mangroves Defend the Coastline of Southwest Florida
Mangroves do a good job of protecting coastal communities. Once that water rises, it’s the natural buffer that absorbs the shock of the Gulf. Their roots also hold soil in place slowing erosion while providing a habitat for water-filtering oysters.