Calusa Waterkeeper
In the News
SWFL Clean Water Advocates Hear Federal Proposal for Lake Okeechobee Operations
A new plan is up for discussion to help fishing on Lake Okeechobee while also alleviating algal blooms in the state. One of the ultimate goals is to improve the water quality for folks on and around the lake. It’s not one size fits all when it comes to solutions for Lake Okeechobee…
Toxic Algae Poisoning Diagnosed in Matlacha
Sue Dahod, a Calusa Waterkeeper Ranger, teamed up with the Matlacha/Pine Island Fire Department to test the water in Matlacha, after complaints from residents who said they were getting sick due to marine toxicity surrounding their homes.
Calusa Waterkeeper Testing New Device to Measure Air Toxins from Blue-Green Algae & Red Tide
A nonprofit dedicated to the protection of our vital water bodies in the region and state is taking matters into its own hands to keep an eye on water and air quality. Calusa Waterkeeper recently set up a device in its test phases to monitor algae toxins in the air at a Cape Coral resident’s property.
Students Paddling Pine Island Sound for Environmental Awareness
High school students Aydin Khan-Bridgers of Naples and Ava Spencer of Raleigh plan to spend a week kayaking around Pine Island Sound to help raise awareness of the deteriorating marine environment while conducting water tests for FGCU’s Dr. James Douglass.
How Much Dangerous Algae Toxin is in the Air?
Calusa Waterkeeper is checking the air for cyanotoxins, produced by microscopic organisms that photosynthesize as plants do, but are indeed bacteria, even though they’re commonly called blue-green algae. Some produce potent toxins that have been linked to grave health problems.
Calusa Waterkeeper Concerned About Impact of Large Storm Plume Seen in Naples Bay
A large plume of storm runoff could be seen from Naples Bay through Gordon Pass. That plume has since dissipated into the Gulf but there remains an underlying issue for water experts. We’re seeing more nutrients in SW FL waters so the question is, could this cause more problems?
Tropical Storm Elsa Could Worsen the Blue-Green Algae Situation in SWFL
New pictures taken over Lake Okeechobee show huge swaths of blue-green algae and Tropical Storm Elsa could make things worse. “Our pilot flew the lake yesterday and there was about a 12 mile stretch of the lake where it was concentrated for sure,” John Cassani, from the Calusa Waterkeeper, said.
Guest Opinion: Stating the Facts About Water Quality in Lee County
There is no comparison between what happened in Flint Michigan and what is now happening in SW Florida. For the record, I would like to state a few facts about water quality in Lee County and then the readers can make up their own minds on how competent our state and local officials are.
Words from the Waterkeeper, Episode 29
This week’s updates from John include water quality in Matlacha Pass, info on CDC study, and an event this Saturday, July 3rd at 2 pm, at Unitarian Universalist Church to support Right to Clean Water.
Group Tests Air Quality Impacts of Decomposing Algae
Something beneath the surface of the water may impact the air we breathe. Volunteers are testing the air quality around Matlacha Pass and whether decomposing algae released dangerous chemicals into the air. Sue Dahod doesn’t take her role as a Calusa Waterkeeper ranger lightly.
Guest Opinion: Will LOSOM Get the Water Right?
If you are wondering what the next Lake Okeechobee water release schedule will bring, you are not alone. The Lake schedule, being revised by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE), will be called the Lake Okeechobee System Operating Manual (LOSOM).
Research Shows Urea Causes Blue-Green Algae Bloom Under Certain Conditions in Lake O System
Scientists are trying to better understand what forms of nutrients fuel cyanobacteria blooms, and at least one test points to urea. A second phase of the project focuses on how Caloosahatchee water responds to various forms of nutrients in hopes of seeing which ones are capable of fueling a bloom.