On 12/15/21 Lake Okeechobee was at 15.75 feet, decreasing by 0.09 feet in the past week. The weekly average flow at S-79 was 2,126 cfs (cubic feet per second) and flow from the Lake at S-77 was an average of 1,587 cfs. The 14-day average flow on 12/15/21 was 2,013 cfs and has been in the optimal flow envelope (750 - 2,100 cfs) for 21 days.

For more information on Lake Okeechobee and estuary conditions go to the latest Caloosahatchee Conditions Report

Satellite imagery over the past week has shown low concentrations of chlorophyll off the coast of Southwest Florida. Karenia brevis and/or other algal species may be contributing to the chlorophyll concentrations.

On 12/10/21, the FWC reported that K. brevis was detected in six samples along Florida’s Gulf Coast. In Southwest Florida over the past week, K. brevis was observed at background concentrations offshore of Pinellas County, and background and very low concentrations offshore of Lee County.

The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) on Sanibel received 12 birds with toxicosis symptoms (from red tide or blue-green algae) from 12/6/21 - 11/13/21.

On 12/14/21 sampling for cyanobacteria by the Lee County Environmental Lab reported the presence of Microcystis at the Alva Boat Ramp (20 colonies/L). Microcystis and Aphanocapsa were present upstream of the Franklin Locks (230 colonies/L) as light streaks with light wind-driven accumulation along the locks and shore. Microcystis and Dolichospermum were moderately abundant at the Davis Boat Ramp (1150 colonies/L) as streaks with accumulation along the seawall. Over the past week, satellite imagery Lake Okeechobee showed algal blooms covering approximately 20 square miles, primarily in the southern portion of the lake.

SCCF staff reported dead coquinas and other sea life on Sanibel and Captiva Beaches - except in the area between Tradewinds and Bowman's where the red knots were still hanging around and finding live prey. On Captiva, there were numerous dead coquina- but the shorebirds were finding some live mole crabs to eat which is a good thing- especially after a renourishment project. 

There was one sea turtle stranding reported: one dead green sea turtle on Sanibel.

To learn more about our current water conditions, click on the following links:

A collaborative, weekly analysis, including recommendations for water managers regarding Lake Okeechobee flows.

SCCF's River, Estuary, and Coastal Observing Network is a network of eight optical water quality sensors deployed throughout the Caloosahatchee and the Pine Island Sound estuary to provide real-time water quality data.

Algae Reporting App.

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