Calusa Waterkeeper
In the News
Environmentalists take First Round in Scrap Over Cape Coral Boat Lock
A state administrative law judge has recommended that the FDEP reverse its decision and deny Cape Coral a permit needed to remove the Chiquita Lock. The lock is a barrier between the city’s canal system and the Caloosahatchee River and its fragile water resources.
State Judge Recommends Chiquita Lock Remain in Cape Coral
The decision on the Chiquita Lock has been the topic of controversy for months. Boaters have complained about the wait times at the lock. Getting in and out of this spot can get busy, especially during season. But a state judge’s 50-page recommendation says the wait is worth it.
Caloosahatchee River and Estuaries Facing New Type of Algae Bloom
Scientists are studying a newer type of algae bloom that’s been popping up in the river for the first time in years: it’s called Akashiwo Sanguinea. After Calusa Waterkeeper volunteers tested water samples, they said dumping and sewage aren’t causing the discoloration.
NOAA and Local Scientists Tracking New Different Algae Bloom in Caloosahatchee River
A different variety of algae is blooming in parts of the Caloosahatchee, but unlike other blooms the region has experienced in the past 2 years, this algae is not toxic to humans. Joining red tide, blue-green and drift algae, Akashiwo sanguinea has reared its head in Southwest Florida.
‘Miz Lion,’ Environmental Champion Hurchalla to Headline Calusa Culture Night for Nonprofit Calusa Waterkeeper
Aside from a few lawyers, it’d be hard to find anyone to disagree that Maggy Hurchalla is the real deal: real Floridian, real environmentalist, real storyteller, real character. The former Martin County commissioner, will take the stage Saturday in Fort Myers, joined by a band of fellow eco-luminaries at a fundraiser for Calusa Waterkeeper.
Sea Turtle Strandings Soar as Red Tide Bloom Remains in Southwest Florida Waters
The largest number of sea turtle strandings in a single month were reported in Collier County in October. Maura Kraus, the sea turtle expert for Collier County, said that she has reported 88 sea turtle strandings this year. Of those, 60 were reported in October alone.
Florida Officials Urged to Set Standards to Protect People, Wildlife From Harmful Algae Blooms
Calusa Waterkeeper, The Center for Biological Diversity and Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation are calling on the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to establish legal limits for cyanotoxins that pose severe health risks to people and wildlife.
Environmentalist Faces 4.3 Million Dollar Fine for Her Advocacy Efforts
Back in September Florida’s Fourth District Court of Appeal upheld a 2018 ruling against an environmental activist who lives in Stuart which found that she interfered in a contract between Martin County and the owners of a rock quarry called Lake Point Restoration.
Personhood for the Caloosahatchee would give the River Legal Standing and a New Hope
Concerned citizens and non-profits like Calusa Waterkeeper are jump-starting a campaign that could grant the Caloosahatchee River its own bill of rights as early as November 2020. However, getting this measure on the ballot in under a year is no easy task.
Dead Goliath Grouper Found on the Beach in Naples
Calusa Waterkeeper posted pictures to their Facebook page showing a dead goliath grouper on Naples Beach, south of the Naples Pier. The post says the fish likely died from red tide, and because of its age, it means the grouper survived last year’s red tide, only to be killed this year.
Dead Sea Life, Red Drift Algae Piled up on Fort Myers Beach
Beachgoers felt the effects of water quality issues along some SWFL beaches. John Cassani, ecologist and founder of Calusa Waterkeeper, says red tide continues to cause fish kills along Fort Myers Beach, while the beach is also lined with piles of what appears to be red drift algae.
Battle Over Water and Public Health Returns to Florida Lawmakers
After the last prolonged outbreak of red tide and blue-green algae, it seemed every politician vowed to “do something.” The spin from the last session was that the Florida Legislature produced “the most Everglades-friendly budget in Florida history.”