2024 Annual Report

Calusa Waterkeeper is proud to release our 2024 annual report, summarizing our accomplishments over the past year and higlighting some milestones from our first 30 years.

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Who We Are

Calusa Waterkeeper is guided by science to protect our water quality and human health. We fill a unique niche in Southwest Florida and would value your support!

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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

Gov. DeSantis: Caloosahatchee River reservoir will be ready to divert Lake O water by summer

Apr 23, 2025

The Caloosahatchee River reservoir has long been touted as one way to improve the health of the ailing river, which acts as a flood plain at times for Lake Okeechobee. Calusa Waterkeeper Emeritus John Cassani said he was skeptical that the reservoir would be used at its full capacity this summer.

SWFL Water quality expert urges more action from FDEP’s Basin Management Action Plans

Apr 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.

Paradise Lost? Fate of the Greater Western Everglades hangs in the balance

Apr 13, 2025

Our respective organizations stand united in stating our highest level of concern regarding the Kingston development proposed in the Greater Western Everglades.

Save Our Water: Protect our Health, Economy & Future luncheon set for March 27

Feb 20, 2025

On Thursday, March 27, 2025, Calusa Waterkeeper is hosting Save Our Water: Protect our Health, Economy & Future luncheon from 11 am to 2 pm at Broadway Palm Dinner Theater. Speakers and panelists will raise awareness about the critical state of our local waters and provide a platform that will arm the community with actionable steps to make a difference.

Mismanagement destroying Florida’s coastal waters

Feb 16, 2025

Florida’s coastal waters composed of marshes and tidal estuaries, fed by iconic rivers, represent the very essence of natural Florida. In 2024 the state reported a total water area of 3,668,875 acres statewide for estuary segments identified as impaired for various pollutants.

Red tide raging in Gulf as cell counts hit 20 million cells per liter off Sanibel

Feb 6, 2025

A pilot flying on behalf of the Calusa Waterkeeper took photos recently and posted them on Facebook. The images show copper-stained waters in the Gulf and massive patches of toxic water.

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