Calusa Waterkeeper

In the News

Words from the Waterkeeper, Episode 13

Words from the Waterkeeper, Episode 13

In this episode, John updates us on cyanobacteria blooms that have been detected in Lake O and in the Caloosahatchee. The area is seeing macro algae becoming more abundant. Elevated levels of fecal bacteria are responsible for shellfish closures.

Runoff from Construction Sites Enter Caloosahatchee River

Runoff from Construction Sites Enter Caloosahatchee River

Construction runoff has been getting into the Caloosahatchee River recently and residents and professionals alike have noticed murky patches. John Cassani, with the Calusa Waterkeeper, says, “Well, this is a very significant construction site sediment runoff.”

Calusa Waterkeeper Protects Region’s Vital Marine Resources

Calusa Waterkeeper Protects Region’s Vital Marine Resources

Water. From the grand rivers, coastal sounds and bays throughout the region, to the creeks and canals that meander through our neighborhoods, to the glistening Gulf of Mexico, water is in so many ways a crucial lifeblood for Southwest Florida.

States, Groups Challenge Feds over Reducing Wetlands Protection

States, Groups Challenge Feds over Reducing Wetlands Protection

More than a dozen states and several environmental groups are hoping a California judge will soon stop a move to open half the nation’s wetlands and streams to potential development and pollution. The changes, called the Navigable Waters Protection Rule, are due to go into effect on June 22.

Experts Watching Area of Lake Okeechobee for Blue-Green Algae

Experts Watching Area of Lake Okeechobee for Blue-Green Algae

Right now, there’s an area in Lake Okeechobee that experts are watching. What we wanted to know is if they think it’s something to be concerned about. An NOAA satellite map depicts bacteria concentrations in Lake Okeechobee with the bluish-green portion being an area of concern.

Everglades Restoration Project may be Delayed

Everglades Restoration Project may be Delayed

A delay may be on the way after the US Army Corps of Engineers announced they want to “new start” the EAA reservoir. That project will capture and hold water from Lake Okeechobee and send it through cleaning marshes on its way south through the Everglades.

Words from the Waterkeeper, Episode 12

Words from the Waterkeeper, Episode 12

On this Words From the Waterkeeper, John updates us on the uptick of cyanobacteria in Lake Okeechobee and surrounding areas along with a lot of macro algae building up. Plus, we’re still seeing high salinity levels in the upper estuary of the Caloosahatchee.

Caloosahatchee to Get More Water from Lake Okeechobee as Rainy Season Approaches

Caloosahatchee to Get More Water from Lake Okeechobee as Rainy Season Approaches

For more than a month, the Caloosahatchee has been in trouble, after the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers cut flows to the river from Lake Okeechobee in April, following the driest March on record. But now, with the federal agency releasing more freshwater from the lake to the Gulf of Mexico, the thirsty, salty river will get some relief.

Blue Green Algae Spotted Along SWFL Beaches

Blue Green Algae Spotted Along SWFL Beaches

A form of blue-green algae is appearing along Southwest Florida beaches. While it’s not red-tide, some researches have concerns. A sight Calusa Waterkeeper, John Cassani says, is not uncommon this time of year. “Climate change, all the extremes we’re seeing, rainfall, and temperatures, has kind of brought this issue out of the box a little bit.”

Get Notified