Calusa Waterkeeper
In the News
Red Tide Bloom Waning in Some Spots but Still Prevalent Elsewhere in Gulf
The latest red tide bloom seems to be losing strength in Lee and Collier counties as higher brevetoxin counts have been reported in the Tampa Bay area in recent days. Background to medium levels of red tide (Karenia brevis) were reported across both counties.
Red Tide Causes Respiratory Irritation and Hundreds of Thousands of Dead Fish on our Coast – What Can We Do?
For the last several weeks, red tide has brought intense respiratory irritation to beachgoers, hundreds of thousands of dead fish, and several dead sea turtles and dolphin to our beaches.
2023 SWFL Climate Summit features Calusa Waterkeeper, Captain Codty Pierce
Presented by the Coastal & Heartland National Estuary Partnership (CHNEP), the 2023 Southwest Florida Climate Summit is open to the public on March 15th and 16th at the Collaboratory in downtown Fort Myers and features Calusa Waterkeeper, Captain Codty Pierce.
Florida Visitors Discovering Unpleasant Surprise at Beaches – Red Tide
Spring breakers are flocking to Florida in hopes of enjoying clear water and white sand beaches, but many are instead discovering red tide. Vacationers have posted photos on social media of dead fish washing up on the shores.
Warm Gulf Waters Could Mean Stronger Storms & Algae Blooms
Gulf of Mexico water temperatures are running on the high side this year, which could trigger anything from afternoon thunderstorms to early animal migrations. Various weather outlets say water temperatures are hovering around 80 degrees near Fort Myers Beach.
U.S. Congressman Byron Donalds Retries Bipartisan Bill on Harmful Algal Blooms
The name is a bit different but the intent is the same in a bipartisan bill reintroduced by Naples U.S. Congressman Byron Donalds this week: help algal bloom-affected communities get federal help while advancing research on the human health effects of the outbreaks.
Red Tide Bloom Gaining Strength in Some Areas
A red tide bloom along the Southwest Florida coast appears to be spreading in size, with recent reports from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission showing counts of 1 million cells per liter and higher in Lee County, with the bloom stretching from Tampa Bay to Florida Bay.
Captain Codty Pierce Chosen as the New Calusa Waterkeeper
We’re excited to announce the selection of Captain Codty Piece as the next Calusa Waterkeeper. Codty is a native of Lee County and lifelong outdoorsman, growing up fishing our area waters and spending many years observing the hydrology and environments of the watershed.
Researchers Measure Water Conditions that Lead to Red Tide in SWFL
Researchers from Florida Gulf Coast University and the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation take water samples from depths of 45 feet in the Gulf of Mexico to right off the shore of Sanibel and several spots in between to better understand our water quality issues.
Fecal Bacteria Counts High in Many Protected Rivers & Creeks in Lee County
Some tributaries flowing into the Caloosahatchee River and Estero Bay are polluted with fecal coliform bacteria, with counts going well above the criteria used to determine whether or not a beach is safe for swimming.
Everglades Progress Report: Scientists Point to Need for Water Storage & Climate Planning
The National Academy of Sciences produced a 318-page “Progress Toward Restoring the Everglades: The Ninth Biennial Review” as an independent look at how things are going as the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) turns 23.
Red Tide Lurking in Southwest Florida
The red tide organism, Karenia brevis, was detected in 69 samples collected from and offshore of Southwest Florida over the past week. Bloom concentrations (>100,000 cells/liter) were present in 14 samples: three in Manatee County, one in Monroe County and 10 in Lee County.