Calusa Waterkeeper

In the News

Calusa Waterkeeper Looking at Effects of Blue-Green Algae Toxins

Calusa Waterkeeper Looking at Effects of Blue-Green Algae Toxins

As blue-green algae blooms grow, so do health concerns. Lee County, the Department of Environmental Protection, and FGCU are all monitoring the situation as the Calusa Waterkeeper digs further into air quality testing to protect those living nearby.

Update on Blue-Green Algae in Little Lake Michigan Canal

Update on Blue-Green Algae in Little Lake Michigan Canal

The blue-green algae in the Little Lake Michigan Canal appears to have been broken up by the recent heavy rain. Just because it is no longer visible on the surface, experts say that doesn’t mean that it’s gone.

Matlacha Pass Water Quality with Capt. Codty Pierce

Matlacha Pass Water Quality with Capt. Codty Pierce

Capt. Codty Pierce shares his observations on Matlacha Pass water quality and boating pressure. Matlacha Pass is a State Aquatic Persevere and designated an Outstanding Florida Water (OFW), but it is also verified impaired for nutrients, fecal bacteria in shellfish, and more.

New Study Shows Red Tide Exposure can Cause Neurological Woes

New Study Shows Red Tide Exposure can Cause Neurological Woes

A new study by Sarasota’s Roskamp Institute shows breathing red tide toxins can cause neurological problems. More than 250 volunteers from Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Sarasota and Manatee counties helped with the Roskamp study, published in the peer-reviewed journal Harmful Algae.

Local Algae Bloom Task Force Provides Latest Information for Area Waters

Local Algae Bloom Task Force Provides Latest Information for Area Waters

Waterkeeper Ranger Sue Dahod, facilitator of the Pine Island Algae Bloom Task Force, provided an update on the condition of the water in Matlacha. She and Waterkeeper John Cassani took a water sample and identified it primarily as Blue-Green Algae and was positive for low levels of Saxitoxin.

Public Comment Wanted for Lake Okeechobee Water Management Plan

Public Comment Wanted for Lake Okeechobee Water Management Plan

The U.S. Army Corps of engineers needs your help on a proposal for Lake Okeechobee. They’re asking for people’s opinions on a plan that would send more water to the Everglades. The goal is to protect the water supply and reduce the need for harmful discharges in the northern estuaries.

Who can Close Southwest Florida Beaches when Water Quality is Poor?

Who can Close Southwest Florida Beaches when Water Quality is Poor?

If you want to swim in poop-, red tide- or cyanobacteria-contaminated waters, Florida’s health department isn’t going to stop you – in Lee County, at least. When enteric bacteria levels were high at Bonita Beach last month, people went right on splashing around in the warm Gulf.

Get Notified