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Blue-Green Algae near Downtown Fort Myers in Caloosahatchee River

Blue-Green Algae near Downtown Fort Myers in Caloosahatchee River

by Calusa Waterkeeper | Jun 23, 2023 | Harmful Algal Blooms, Press

Originally published by The News-Press on June 23, 2023 by Chad Gillis Health official confirmed Friday that a blue-green algae outbreak in the Caloosahatchee River is toxic to humans and animals. “A bloom occurs when rapid growth of algae leads to an...
Blue-Green Algae Blooms Spotted from Lake O to Fort Myers Shores

Blue-Green Algae Blooms Spotted from Lake O to Fort Myers Shores

by Calusa Waterkeeper | May 26, 2023 | Harmful Algal Blooms, Press

Blue-Green Algae Blooms Spotted from Lake O to Fort Myers Shores Originally published by FOX4 News on May 26, 2023 Once again, Lake Okeechobee is covered with blue-green algae blooms. According to NOAA, algal blooms covered about 260 square miles on the ake,...
Is the Caloosahatchee Heading for an Algae Bloom?

Is the Caloosahatchee Heading for an Algae Bloom?

by Calusa Waterkeeper | May 26, 2023 | Harmful Algal Blooms, Lake Okeechobee, Press

Originally published by The News-Press on May 26, 2023 by Amy Bennett Williams Had they stared into a shaft of sunlight piercing the Caloosahatchee River on Thursday morning, boaters at the Alva dock might have seen spangles, as if the water were dusted with green...
Large Algae Bloom Spotted on Florida’s Lake Okeechobee

Large Algae Bloom Spotted on Florida’s Lake Okeechobee

by Calusa Waterkeeper | May 24, 2023 | Featured, Harmful Algal Blooms, Lake Okeechobee, Press

Originally published by Fox Weather on May 24, 2023 by Andrew Wulfeck Residents and visitors to parts of the Sunshine State’s largest lake are being urged to exercise caution after harmful blue-green algae was recently detected by the Palm Beach County Health...
Algae Swirling on the Gulf Coast Brings a Stink Near Matlacha

Algae Swirling on the Gulf Coast Brings a Stink Near Matlacha

by Calusa Waterkeeper | May 12, 2023 | Featured, Harmful Algal Blooms, Press

Originally published by WINK News on May 12, 2023 Algae swirling in the Gulf Coast is bringing a smelly odor to the air. It’s happening around the waters of Matlacha. “It’s almost a matted, matted surface that resembles a mud flat, but the colors are quite vibrant....
Red Tide Bloom Waning in Some Spots but Still Prevalent Elsewhere in Gulf

Red Tide Bloom Waning in Some Spots but Still Prevalent Elsewhere in Gulf

by Calusa Waterkeeper | Mar 17, 2023 | Harmful Algal Blooms, Press

Originally published by The News-Press on March 17, 2023 by Chad Gillis The latest red tide to blanket Southwest Florida 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....
Red Tide Causes Respiratory Irritation and Hundreds of Thousands of Dead Fish on our Coast – What Can We Do?

Red Tide Causes Respiratory Irritation and Hundreds of Thousands of Dead Fish on our Coast – What Can We Do?

by Robin Serne | Mar 15, 2023 | Featured, Harmful Algal Blooms, Policy, Stormwater

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. At this moment, we can be thankful that the red tide concentrations appear to be...
Florida Visitors Discovering Unpleasant Surprise at Beaches – Red Tide

Florida Visitors Discovering Unpleasant Surprise at Beaches – Red Tide

by Calusa Waterkeeper | Mar 10, 2023 | Featured, Harmful Algal Blooms, Press

Originally published by TODAY on March 10, 2023. Spring breakers are flocking to Florida in hopes of enjoying clear water and white sand beaches, but many are instead discovering red tide during their vacations. The micro-organism that causes red tide has impacted...
Red Tide Bloom Gaining Strength in Some Areas

Red Tide Bloom Gaining Strength in Some Areas

by Calusa Waterkeeper | Feb 16, 2023 | Harmful Algal Blooms, Press

Originally published by The News-Press on February 16, 2023 by Chad Gillis A red tide bloom along the Southwest Florida coast appears to be spreading in size, according to state records, but some experts say toxic conditions may soon wane. The most recent reports from...
Researchers Measure Water Conditions that Lead to Red Tide in SWFL

Researchers Measure Water Conditions that Lead to Red Tide in SWFL

by Calusa Waterkeeper | Feb 13, 2023 | Featured, Harmful Algal Blooms, Press

Originally published by WINK News on February 13, 2023 Red tide is a complex water issue, and scientists who study it are surveying the conditions that can trigger blooms—sunlight, water temperature, salinity, wind direction, and speed—to figure out how to mitigate...
Red Tide Continues to Make its way through Southwest Florida Waterways

Red Tide Continues to Make its way through Southwest Florida Waterways

by Calusa Waterkeeper | Nov 17, 2022 | Featured, Harmful Algal Blooms, Press

Red Tide Continues to Make its way through Southwest Florida Waterways Originally published by FOX4 News on November 17, 2022 Red tide continues to make its way across southwest Florida waterways. Some areas are not feeling the full effect, though many beaches are...
Red Tide Blooms Appearing Along the Southwest Florida Coast

Red Tide Blooms Appearing Along the Southwest Florida Coast

by Calusa Waterkeeper | Nov 17, 2022 | Harmful Algal Blooms, Press

Originally published by WINK News on November 21, 2022 Red tide is appearing up and down the Southwest Florida coastline, but is it an issue you should be concerned with? These are pictures of where the cleaner water ends and the red tide begins. The Calusa...
Red Tide Update: State Report Shows Toxic Algae Levels from Sarasota South to Marco Island

Red Tide Update: State Report Shows Toxic Algae Levels from Sarasota South to Marco Island

by Calusa Waterkeeper | Nov 17, 2022 | Featured, Harmful Algal Blooms, Press

Originally published by The News-Press on November 17, 2022 by Chad Gillis Scientists are saying a red tide bloom that’s lingered along the coast for a few weeks is now being fed by nutrients running off the landscape in the wake of Hurricane Ian. Red tide...
Researching the Effects of a Red Tide Bloom

Researching the Effects of a Red Tide Bloom

by Calusa Waterkeeper | Nov 16, 2022 | Harmful Algal Blooms, Press

Originally published by WINK News on November 16, 2022 On Sanibel, you can’t escape the smell of dead fish. And on the shore, you can’t escape the dead fish. “People are familiar with the red tide smell. But that’s from decay, what you really smell, the actual toxins...
Experts Concerned about Long-Term Impacts from Red Tide Algal Blooms in SWFL

Experts Concerned about Long-Term Impacts from Red Tide Algal Blooms in SWFL

by Calusa Waterkeeper | Nov 15, 2022 | Harmful Algal Blooms, Press

Originally published by NBC-2 News on November 15, 2022 Since Hurricane Ian, red tide has been blooming across Southwest Florida. Most beaches in SWFL have been closed due to potential debris threats in the water, but The Calusa Waterkeeper reported that blooms are...
Red Tide Bloom Moves into Lee County Waters as Fish Kills Reported in Pine Island Sound

Red Tide Bloom Moves into Lee County Waters as Fish Kills Reported in Pine Island Sound

by Calusa Waterkeeper | Nov 15, 2022 | Harmful Algal Blooms, Press

Originally published by The News-Press on November 15, 2022 by Chad Gillis A red tide bloom that’s been lingering off the coast of Sarasota and Charlotte counties has made it to Lee County waters, where fish kills are being reported at some local beaches. Red...
Calusa Waterkeeper Looking at Effects of Blue-Green Algae Toxins

Calusa Waterkeeper Looking at Effects of Blue-Green Algae Toxins

by Calusa Waterkeeper | Sep 13, 2022 | Featured, Harmful Algal Blooms, Press

Calusa Waterkeeper Looking at Effects of Blue-Green Algae Toxins Originally published by WINK News on September 13, 2022 As blue-green algae blooms grow, so do health concerns. Lee County, the Department of Environmental Protection, and FGCU are all monitoring the...
Blue-Green Algae found in North Fort Myers Canal has Homeowners Feeling Uneasy

Blue-Green Algae found in North Fort Myers Canal has Homeowners Feeling Uneasy

by Calusa Waterkeeper | Sep 8, 2022 | Harmful Algal Blooms, Press

Blue-Green Algae found in North Fort Myers Canal has Homeowners Feeling Uneasy Originally published by FOX4 News on September 8, 2022 Blue-green algae have been found in a North Fort Myers canal and people are not only seeing it but smelling it as well. It blooms...
Blue-Green Algae Blooms Spotted in Multiple Cape Coral Canals

Blue-Green Algae Blooms Spotted in Multiple Cape Coral Canals

by Calusa Waterkeeper | Jun 16, 2022 | Harmful Algal Blooms, Press

Originally published by NBC-2 News on June 16, 2022 Blue-green algae has been found in at least 5 different canals in southeast Cape Coral. The Calusa Waterkeeper, John Cassani, said stormwater runoff and warmer waters are likely to blame. He advises nearby residents...
Cape Coral sees Blue-Green Algae pop up in Multiple Canals

Cape Coral sees Blue-Green Algae pop up in Multiple Canals

by Calusa Waterkeeper | Jun 16, 2022 | Harmful Algal Blooms, Press

Cape Coral sees Blue-Green Algae pop up in Multiple Canals Originally published by WINK News on June 16, 2022 Blue-green algae have once again been found in Cape Coral canals. Connie Rokicak spotted some blue-green algae specks floating in the water behind her home,...
Innovative Air Monitoring Device to be Presented at the Waterkeeper Alliance Global Conference in Washington

Innovative Air Monitoring Device to be Presented at the Waterkeeper Alliance Global Conference in Washington

by Calusa Waterkeeper | Jun 9, 2022 | Featured, Harmful Algal Blooms

After pioneering a new monitoring device and releasing initial results, Calusa Waterkeeper board member Manuel Aparicio IV, PhD, will be presenting a workshop, “Airborne HAB Monitoring” about this ground-breaking research at the Waterkeeper Alliance Global Conference...
Research Finds Airborne Toxins in Southwest Florida

Research Finds Airborne Toxins in Southwest Florida

by Calusa Waterkeeper | May 4, 2022 | Harmful Algal Blooms, Press

Research Finds Airborne Toxins in Southwest Florida Originally published by WINK News on May 3, 2022 There’s new information about airborne toxins in Southwest Florida as research expands. Concerns are growing about the impact on the community and the air we breathe....
Initial SWFL Study Finds Water & Air Pollutants could cause grave Brain Disease

Initial SWFL Study Finds Water & Air Pollutants could cause grave Brain Disease

by Calusa Waterkeeper | May 2, 2022 | Featured, Harmful Algal Blooms, Press

Originally published by The News-Press on May 2, 2022 by Amy Bennett Williams The good news: A first-of-its-kind field study of Southwest Florida air and water didn’t find widespread cyanobacteria toxins – mostly. The bad news: It did find several neurotoxins as well...
Collaborative Research on Airborne Toxins from Harmful Algal Blooms in Southwest Florida

Collaborative Research on Airborne Toxins from Harmful Algal Blooms in Southwest Florida

by Calusa Waterkeeper | May 2, 2022 | Featured, Harmful Algal Blooms

Calusa Waterkeeper and Wyoming-based Brain Chemistry Labs collaborate on ground breaking device to research airborne toxins from harmful algal blooms Using the most sensitive technology available for detecting harmful algal bloom (HAB) toxins, the Calusa Waterkeeper...
Study Shows Nitrogen Flows Systematically Intensify Red Tide Blooms

Study Shows Nitrogen Flows Systematically Intensify Red Tide Blooms

by Calusa Waterkeeper | Apr 15, 2022 | Harmful Algal Blooms, Press

Originally published by The News-Press on April 15, 2022 by Amy Bennett Williams Just as it took decades before smoking was recognized as a cancer trigger, it’s taken until recently for science to firmly link nitrogen pollution to the persistence of red tide. But a...
Warm Temps Could Fuel Storms this Summer Resulting in Future Algae Blooms

Warm Temps Could Fuel Storms this Summer Resulting in Future Algae Blooms

by Calusa Waterkeeper | Mar 27, 2022 | Harmful Algal Blooms, Press

Originally published by The News-Press on March 27, 2027 by Chad Gillis Gulf of Mexico and Lake Okeechobee water temperatures are warm for this time of year, which would be expected during a La Niña winter-spring that’s brought little relief from the heat. And...
Algae found floating in Cape Coral canals

Algae found floating in Cape Coral canals

by Calusa Waterkeeper | Sep 13, 2021 | Harmful Algal Blooms

Algae found floating in Cape Coral canals Originally published by WINK News on September 12, 2021 John Cassani is the Calusa Waterkeeper and says there were multiple factors leading to the green algae. These include rain, water movement and warm water temperature. But...
Florida Urged to Set Standards Critical to Protecting People & Wildlife From Harmful Toxins

Florida Urged to Set Standards Critical to Protecting People & Wildlife From Harmful Toxins

by Calusa Waterkeeper | May 19, 2021 | Featured, Harmful Algal Blooms

As New Algae Bloom Spreads Across Lake Okeechobee, Environmental Groups Urge the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to Set Standards for Harmful Toxins Originally released by the The Center for Biological Diversity on May 19, 2021 on behalf of the Center...
Implementation of Governor DeSantis’ Blue-Green Algae Task Force Recommendations Act – SB 1522 / HB 1225

Implementation of Governor DeSantis’ Blue-Green Algae Task Force Recommendations Act – SB 1522 / HB 1225

by Calusa Waterkeeper | Apr 12, 2021 | Featured, Harmful Algal Blooms, Policy

Pictured above: Cyanobacteria blooms on Lake Okeechobee were verified as producing microcystin toxins by FDEP. April 7, 2021 The current bill language has lost or is missing several key recommendations of the Blue-Green Algae Task Force. It’s imperative that the...
A Win Against the Army Corps’ Toxic Lake Okeechobee Discharges

A Win Against the Army Corps’ Toxic Lake Okeechobee Discharges

by Calusa Waterkeeper | Oct 29, 2020 | Featured, Harmful Algal Blooms, Lake Okeechobee, Litigation, Press, Uncategorized

Federal Judge orders the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to consider toxic algae when releasing water from Lake Okeechobee FORT MYERS, FL. (Oct. 29, 2020) – Calusa Waterkeeper is proud to be involved with a recent win in federal court regarding the management of Lake...
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