Newsletter March 2023

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 dolphins to our beaches. Calusa Waterkeeper Director of Engagement and Advancement, Robin Serne, has been on Fort Myers Beach almost daily for the last month and has watched the progression of the red tide. “Seeing the devastation left on land by Hurricane Ian, and then looking to the shoreline and seeing an endless vista of dead fish every day has been depressing,” Robin admitted. 

What is Calusa Waterkeeper Doing?

Calusa Waterkeeper volunteer Rangers are collecting air samples via our ADAM system to measure aerosolized brevotoxins from the current red tide event. Learn More Here

What Can We Do?

We need to create positive change in our own lives. We can do this by reducing our nutrient contribution by planting native landscaping that doesn’t require fertilizer and as much irrigation, cleaning up after pets, and making sure septic tanks are working correctly. We can also fight for state and local policies that reduce nutrient pollution in our waters. Read More



You can also make a difference by donating to support our work, including our airborne toxin monitoring, advocacy efforts, oyster restoration project, etc.

Florida Visitors Discovering Unpleasant Surprise at Beaches – Red Tide

Spring breakers are flocking to Florida in hopes of enjoying the 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. See More

Warm Gulf Waters Could Mean Stronger Storms & Algae Blooms

Gulf of Mexico water temperatures are running high this year, which could trigger afternoon thunderstorms & early animal migrations. Various weather outlets say water temps are hovering around 80 degrees near Fort Myers Beach. Learn More

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 was held on March 15th and 16th at the Collaboratory in downtown Fort Myers and featured Calusa Waterkeeper, Captain Codty Pierce. Read More

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: help algal bloom-affected communities get federal help while advancing research on the human health effects of the outbreaks. See How

The 2023 Legislative Session began March 7, 2023, and is scheduled to adjourn May 5th. Visit our website to learn about bills related to water quality and land use that we are tracking along with our partners.

Sometimes we may issue action alerts to contact specific committees before hearings. Please be sure you’re subscribed to our mailing list to receive action alerts.

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Calusa Waterkeeper is grateful for your continued support of our mission to protect and restore the Caloosahatchee from Lake Okeechobee to the coastal waters. Your generous recurring donation helps us continue our water and air monitoring and testing campaigns along with our local education and statewide advocacy efforts. You make a difference!

CALUSA WATERKEEPER MISSION

To Protect and Restore the Caloosahatchee River from Lake Okeechobee to the Coastal Waters.

FOLLOW CALUSA WATERKEEPER

Phone: (239) 899-1440

Email: info@CalusaWaterkeeper.org