Originally published by Paul Dolan on WINK News on April 16, 2025
Water quality has long been a significant environmental concern in Southwest Florida. Basin Management Action Plans (BMAPs) aim to improve water quality in specific areas, but their effectiveness is still debated.Local water advocates, like John Cassani of Calusa Waterkeeper, have expressed concerns about pollutants like nitrogen infiltrating the waters.“Harmful algal blooms, declining sea grasses, and public health can all be negatively impacted if there is too much of it in our water,” said Cassani.While some data suggests improvement, Cassani remains skeptical.“Well the A in BMAP stands for action, and it’s not that action isn’t getting done,” said Cassani. “It’s just not been enough.”Cassini, the first Calusa Waterkeeper, explained that the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s BMAP program began in 2012 to help clean up polluted water bodies. He has dedicated his career to these waters and wants to see water quality addressed correctly.“Several things make me angry about this one is the false narrative that policymakers are making historic progress when it’s the exact opposite in many cases,” said Cassani.