Protecting Paradise

As the year comes to a close, we ask you to please dive deep to Protect Paradise.

Manuels Branch Investigation

Calusa Waterkeeper volunteers and staff have collected evidence of persistent human sources of fecal contamination to Manuel’s Branch in Fort Myers.

Fighting for Drinkable, Fishable, Swimmable Water

Volunteer Hours and Counting

Since 1995

Calusa Waterkeeper is a non-profit organization dedicated to the protection of the Caloosahatchee River & Estuary in Southwest Florida. This includes Lake Okeechobee & Estero Bay, plus the near-shore waterways of Lee County. We strive to achieve this mission through education and promotion of responsible use and enjoyment by all people.

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Thank you for all that you’re doing to improve our water quality and to educate us on changes we ourselves can make to help.

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Vicky C.
Cape Coral

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I have come to value the work of the Calusa Waterkeeper and its important voice in our community advocating for cleaner water. Keep up with the good work!

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Stephen B.
Clewiston

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We appreciate all that you do for our community and water quality. Great Job! Thank you, The Jensens.

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Jensen’s Marina
Captiva

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Thank you Calusa Waterkeeper and John Cassani for all you do to educate the public about the water quality crisis we are facing in SWFL.

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Denny S.
Fort Myers

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Thanks to CWK for relentlessly using science and public outreach to fight for clean water in SW Florida! We all benefit.

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Gerri R.
Fort Myers

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I have learned so much as a volunteer Ranger with Calusa Waterkeeper. Excited to continue!

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Mark D.
North Fort Myers

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Happy to renew our membership and keep you on the front lines. Thank you for all you do.

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Scott & Christine M.
Cape Coral

Explore the Issues

Waterways around the world are under attack by pollution and mismanagement. Southwest Florida is no different.

Calusa Waterkeeper is focused on several local action items as well as state and national policies affecting our waters and quality of life.

We think you’ll agree, these are causes worth fighting for.

Learn the Issues

Recent News

Calusa Waterkeeper to Host State of Our Water Meeting October 11th

Sep 9, 2025

Calusa Waterkeeper has invited Michele Arquette-Palermo of the Conservancy of Southwest Florida to be its guest speaker at its quarterly State of Our Water meeting to discuss the connection between environmental health and economic prosperity, and why safeguarding our waters is an urgent community responsibility.

EPA sued by Florida groups over water quality rules in Caloosahatchee

Aug 28, 2025

Environmental groups are suing the Environmental Protection Agency, claiming that Florida’s water quality standards are dangerously outdated and that these regulations leave communities exposed to toxic pollutants.

Caloosahatchee River oil sheen raises health concerns

Aug 25, 2025

Residents of North Fort Myers are voicing their concerns about a rainbow-colored oily sheen on the Caloosahatchee River, believed to be linked to abandoned boats.

Local brewery creates conservation ale for clean water

Aug 22, 2025

Water quality remains a top concern for Calusa Waterkeeper, and this weekend they’re aiming to raise awareness. The environmental organization is teaming up with Swamp Cat Brewery to raise money to help protect local waterways, and they’ve even created their own brew to do it

Lawsuit Filed to Protect Florida Anglers

Aug 19, 2025

The Environmental Defense Alliance and Waterkeepers Florida have filed a lawsuit against Lee M. Zeldin, Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), for failing to adopt water quality protections concerning toxic and cancer-causing chemicals in Florida’s waters.

Open Enrollment for Ranger Academy Training – Fall 2025

Aug 8, 2025

Citizens are invited to become certified Rangers and stewards of our waterways. The academy offers a comprehensive educational program aimed at fostering environmental stewardship and advocacy for clean water.

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