Calusa Waterkeeper
In the News
University Researchers Working to Pinpoint how Toxic Algae Blooms Affect the Human Body
Researchers are studying how toxic algae works its way through the human body and they continue to set their sights on Southwest Florida. Mike Parsons, a FGCU professor and Blue-Green Algae Task Force member, and Adam Schaefer of FAU installed the second round of air quality sensors in Cape Coral.
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
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
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.”
Is the Region in for Another Bad Algae Season? Scientists Monitor Blooms, Temperatures, Drought
With the height of algae season still months away, warm weather water woes are already starting to make their presence felt in Southwest Florida. Recent weeks have seen an increase in events “signaling an imbalance” in the region’s natural systems, as Calusa Waterkeeper John Cassani describes it.
Rare Sighting: a Smalltooth Sawfish Swims Along Caloosahatchee Shoreline in Alva
It’s the marine equivalent of a Florida panther encounter: something so extraordinarily rare that even some biologists who study the smalltooth sawfish have never seen one in the wild. But for Megan Durling, it was simply an extraordinary bit of good luck on what was already a pretty lucky day.
Lawsuit Launched Challenging Feds’ Failure to Fully Assess Harms of Lake Okeechobee Toxic Releases to Protected Sea Turtles, Sawfish
The Center for Biological Diversity, Calusa Waterkeeper and Waterkeeper Alliance say the National Marine Fisheries Service and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers failed to fully consider how the toxic algae and other pollutants from the Corps’ lake discharges harm wildlife, especially when they occur at the same time as red tide.
Cape Coral Taps into Reservoir to Offset Drought Conditions
A Southwest Florida city has turned to a reservoir in Charlotte County for irrigation water as drought conditions continue to plague the region. The city of Cape Coral is expected to start pumping water this week from an old rock quarry and into the city’s extensive system of pipes, canals and water control structures.
Words from the Waterkeeper, Episode 11
On this Words From the Waterkeeper, John updates us on cyanobacteria in the Caloosahatchee and the impacts the Caloosahatchee & estuaries are experiencing due to below minimum flow level needed from Lake O.
Waterkeepers Holds Earth Day Event to Celebrate Conservation Efforts
Waterkeepers Florida participated in an interactive Earth Day Salute Wednesday broadcast on Zoom and Facebook Live. April 22 was the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. This event was put on by Calusa Waterkeepers, which is dedicated to “protect and restore the Caloosahatchee River from Lake Okeechobee to the coastal waters.”
State Officials Investigating Fort Myers Following Massive Raw Sewage Spill
Florida’s DEP is investigating the city of Fort Myers a month after a massive spill sent more than 180,000 gallons of raw sewage down a neighborhood creek. DEP’s warning letter stated, “violations of Florida Statutes or administrative rules may result in liability for damages and restoration, and the judicial imposition of civil penalties.”
Army Corps Pushes Ahead with Lake Release Modifications with a Lawsuit Still in Play
Lawyers are still battling over a suit filed by environmental groups including Calusa Waterkeeper over the management of Lake Okeechobee. The groups want the Army Corps to release more water during the dry season as to not be forced to release water from Lake Okeechobee during the wet summer.