Calusa Waterkeeper
In the News
Where did Toxic Algae Vacuumed from Lee County Canals Go?
Southwest Florida’s recent toxic algae blooms were unprecedented in scope, persistence and sheer nastiness. Also unprecedented was how Lee County disposed of some of the crud, shown by science to be potentially carcinogenic to humans.
Research Shows Algae Toxins are Airborne and Reach Deep into Human Lungs
Anyone breathing near the dense blue-green algae blooms that plagued the region last summer likely inhaled some toxins deep into their lungs, FGCU research shows. What’s not yet clear is what impact that exposure could have to human health.
A Case for Barriers in Cape Coral’s Spreader Waterways
Calusa Waterkeeper volunteer Jason Pim created this video for us showing the silting that resulted in Matlacha Pass once the Ceitus Barrier was removed from Cape Coral’s North Spreader waterway.
Cape Coral Leaders, Residents & Environmental Watchdogs at Odds over Chiquita Lock Removal
Concerned Cape Coral residents and environmental watchdogs are at odds with the City of Cape Coral and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection over the potential removal of the Chiquita Lock located on the Southwest Spreader system.
Algae Streaks Caloosahatchee’s Upper Reaches Again
Cyanobacteria appear to still be clinging to the river’s upper shoreline. Calusa Waterkeeper John Cassani flew over eastern Lee and Hendry counties and photographed algae near the Alva bridge, Fort Denaud and in upriver oxbows.
We Must Work Together to Solve Water Crisis
Not a single state or federal agency responsible for regulating water quality or public health attended Sen. Bill Nelson’s visit to Fort Myers in response to the historic algae bloom on the Caloosahatchee, yet the purpose of the gathering was to share and communicate ideas on solving the problem on various fronts.
Take Action on Florida’s Harmful Algae Blooms
Many of our backyards and favorite waterways in Southwest Florida are being impacted by blue-green algae blooms originating in Lake Okeechobee. Here's Cape Coral resident and Calusa Waterkeeper Ranger Jason Pim's story.
Planting Sea Grass in the Caloosahatchee
Tape grass and other seagrasses are extremely vital to the Caloosahatchee Estuary, providing protection and spawning areas for dozens of species of sea life. Calusa Waterkeeper is helping to replenish the Estuary by planting and protecting young seagrasses.
Harmul Bacteria Seems to be New Normal in Water
A crowd of about 400 heard informative presentations and updates on the latest restoration plans and projects during the Save Our Water summit, hosted by The News-Press. We should continue to have hope that our waters can be restored.
Fecal Bacteria Storm a Nightmare for Tourism
Fecal bacteria contamination plaguing Florida waters has reached a crisis point. Cape Coral’s annual Cardboard Boat Regatta was canceled, the Franklin Lock Park beach was closed to swimmers and Billy’s Creek continues to experience hot spots of enterococci bacteria.
Removing Chiquita Lock an Environmental Disaster
The City of Cape Coral seeks a permit from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to permanently remove the Chiquita Lock, just as it removed the Ceitus Boat Lift 10 years ago with serious impacts to the Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve.