Calusa Waterkeeper
In the News
Judge OKs next step toward Chiquita Lock demolition; advocates vow to fight on
Earlier this week, administrative law judge Suzanne Van Wyk ruled the city could ask the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for permission to demolish the dilapidated barrier between saltwater and fresh at Camelot Canal and the Southwest Spreader Waterway.
Is water quality impacted by heavy rain? An expert weighs in
WINK News reporter Camila Pereira met with the Calusa Waterkeeper Cody Pierce to discuss how the recent rainfall could affect the water quality in Southwest Florida.
Judge’s recommended order could lead to removal of Chiquita Lock
An Administrative Law Judge on Monday issued a Recommended Order that will authorize the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to issue an Environmental Resource Permit to the city of Cape Coral for the removal of the lock.
Emotional Tug Brings Connie Ramos-Williams to Calusa Waterkeeper
Robert Moro wrote a deep-dive on Calusa Waterkeeper’s new Executive Director, Connie Ramos-Williams, in the June issue of the Nautical Mile Magazine.
Highly protected waterways still polluted in Estero Bay system
Estero Bay and the rivers and creeks that feed it are sick with pollution despite receiving the highest levels of protection the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the governor can grant.
Calusa Waterkeeper Petitions EPA for Cyanotoxin Standards in Florida
Calusa Waterkeeper is among five conservation organizations and the City of Stuart, Florida to petition the Environmental Protection Agency to set limits on the dangerous algae bloom toxins that now routinely threaten the health of Floridians and wildlife.
Water temps rising to dangerous levels for sea life
Heat that affects more than just the air and land. Codty Pierce, the Calusa Waterkeeper, says his organization has recorded water temps in the low 90s which is rare this time of year.
Fish kill reported at Galt Preserve in St. James City
Calusa Waterkeeper Codty Pierce responded to a fish kill report at the preserve, he saw a school of fish at least 30 to 40. The smell is still in the air, despite the fish being removed from the water.
Waterkeeper Has Eyes on The Seagrass
Calusa Waterkeeper has announced the start of the “Eyes on Seagrass” pilot program in Lee County, a program developed and managed by Florida Sea Grant in partnership with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Scientists.
Exploring Environmental Interconnectedness and Stewardship through the Eyes on Seagrass Program
Spanning along Florida’s extensive coastline are 2.7 million acres of seagrass meadows, serving as vital ecosystems that provide a food source and habitat for many commercially and recreationally important fishery species. Beyond their ecological significance, these meadows play a crucial role in enhancing water clarity, stabilizing shorelines, and sequestering carbon and nitrogen.
Green Algae replacing what once lush sea grass meadows in Matlacha Pass
Sea grass is such an important part of our environment here in Southwest Florida. It provides habitat for our fish and food for our manatees. But unfortunately, that sea grass is going away and is being replaced by green algae. Meteorologist Andrew Shipley spent the day with Calusa Waterkeeper Codty Pierce to get a closer look at this problem.
Calusa Waterkeeper talks building vertical oyster gardens
On Monday, April 8, the Calusa Waterkeeper sponsored an event at the Saint James City Civic Center, wherein they gave a presentation on the science of oysters and how to build a Vertical Oyster Garden.