Calusa Waterkeeper
In the News
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.
Red Tide Bloom Waning in Some Spots but Still Prevalent Elsewhere in Gulf
The latest red tide bloom seems to be losing strength in Lee and Collier counties as higher brevetoxin counts have been reported in the Tampa Bay area in recent days. Background to medium levels of red tide (Karenia brevis) were reported across both counties.
Red Tide Causes Respiratory Irritation and Hundreds of Thousands of Dead Fish on our Coast – What Can We Do?
For the last several weeks, red tide has brought intense respiratory irritation to beachgoers, hundreds of thousands of dead fish, and several dead sea turtles and dolphin to our beaches.
2023 SWFL Climate Summit features Calusa Waterkeeper, Captain Codty Pierce
Presented by the Coastal & Heartland National Estuary Partnership (CHNEP), the 2023 Southwest Florida Climate Summit is open to the public on March 15th and 16th at the Collaboratory in downtown Fort Myers and features Calusa Waterkeeper, Captain Codty Pierce.
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.