A New Look to Keep You Informed
Keeping you informed on issues related to Southwest Florida's water quality is important to us. We have redesigned our newsletter to feature topics that mean the most to you and allow you to connect with our programs and projects in a more streamlined manner. We value your feedback and comments. Please let us know how we're doing at info@calusawaterkeeper.org.
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Words From the Waterkeeper
With the rainy season now in full swing, Southwest Florida residents are encouraged to continue the practice of not applying nitrogen and phosphorous fertilizer from June 1 through September 30. With the recent transmission of Senate Bill 2500 (line item 146), no new ban periods or modifications would be enacted across the state; please consider joining our call to action requesting Governor DeSantis to veto this line item! Do your part by telling Governor DeSantis to protect water quality. To send an email click here.
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Last week, Calusa Waterkeeper Captain Codty Pierce joined C.A. Richardson of Flats Class TV to film a new episode in the backwaters of Lee County -- look for it in July on Waypoint TV! | |
What's In The Water?
Every month Calusa Waterkeeper conducts Fecal Indicator Bacteria sampling at up to 32 sites in Southwest Florida. Enterococci bacteria can cause gastrointestinal illness, infections, and rashes. May testing results revealed 63% of testing sites above the concern threshold of 70 MPN and six sites with extremely high fecal bacteria concentrations. Click the link below to review the May 20 results. (Please note conditions can change daily.) May FIB Test Results.
Right: Ranger Catherine Jones conducts FIB sampling
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Interested in learning more about the exciting volunteer opportunities at Calusa Waterkeeper? Please contact Cindy Swisher at 239-899-1440 or email her at cswisher@calusawaterkeeper.org. | | | |
ADAM Testing Ramps Up For A Challenging Season | |
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Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) are of increasing concern, primarily due to their negative effects on human respiratory, gastrointestinal, and neurological health. These airborne toxins can travel four miles or more from a water source.
In 2021, Calusa Waterkeeper began collecting air and water samples through a first-of-its-kind monitoring device labeled Airborne Detection for Algae Monitoring (ADAM). The device was designed by Calusa Waterkeeper board member Dr. Manuel Aparicio and several volunteer Rangers.
In the past, HAB blooms have been moderate; even so, two airborne toxins, anatoxin-a and brevetoxin, were detected in a few locations. More concerning, the neurotoxin BMAA was detected in the air 60% of the time.
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Initially, Calusa Waterkeeper partnered with an outside lab to analyze the samples. However, this resulted in a significant lag time in reporting test results. Consequently, the board decided to bring the testing in-house for the 2023 testing season.
In late May, Dr. Aparicio trained six Rangers to help with the program, testing over the next several months at six sites in our region from Alva to Pine Island, including Sanibel.
It costs the organization approximately $800 per site to test for these harmful toxins. Help us continue this important work by giving to the HAB Airborne Toxin Testing Program. Click here to donate today. Thank you in advance for giving us the means to conduct our science-based water and air testing programs.
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Dr. Aparicio sets up the ADAM device to test for air cyanotoxins released from blue-green algae. | |
Help fund Calusa Waterkeeper's ADAM project by clicking here. | | |
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Vertical Oyster Garden Workshop
One nature-based solution to improve water quality is to create new oyster reefs in our estuary and let them go to work filtering our water!
Over the past several months, Calusa Waterkeeper volunteers have collected oyster shells from local restaurants and stockpiled them outdoors for curing.
The time has finally arrived for these shells to be strung and hung underneath local docks. We are looking for volunteers to join us on Sunday, June 25, from 10 am-noon at the Food Forest on the campus of FGCU. For more information about this project or to volunteer, click here.
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Is the Caloosahatchee Heading for an Algae Bloom?
The News Press May 26, 2023
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Waterkeeper Alliance Calls on Congress for Safeguards After Supreme Court Delivers Blow to Clean Water Act
Waterkeeper Alliance May 25, 2023
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6/9/23 Photos of Lake O Are Sure to Get Your Attention.
photos by Ralph Arwood June 4, 2023.
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Get Involved - Be Part of the Solution
From online and direct donations to memberships, volunteer opportunities, and special events, there are many ways to become involved and support Calusa Waterkeeper's mission to protect and restore the Caloosahatchee River from Lake Okeechobee to the coastal waters. Click here to learn more.
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Join Us In the Fight For Clean Water
For the past 10 years, Jim and Ruth Watkins have been instrumental in helping Calusa Waterkeeper lead the fight to restore and protect Southwest Florida waterways and surrounding ecosystems.
We invite you to join us in honoring Jim and Ruth's work by donating to the Jim and Ruth Watkins Transformational Leadership Fund. Your contribution will support the programs and advocacy efforts Jim and Ruth are passionate about – fighting for water quality that directly affects our health and way of life here in Southwest Florida.
Please make your donation online or send your donation to Calusa Waterkeeper, P.O. Box 1165, Fort Myers, FL 33902. We thank you in advance for your support.
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Meet Our Newest Board Member | | | |
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CWK Welcomes Mary Kay Robbins-Kralapp to the Board of Directors | |
As a nurse and attorney, Mary Kay worked as in-house counsel and Director of Operations for a Michigan healthcare company. She oversaw multiple operations, including risk management, quality control, human resources, and overall patient care.
Growing up near freshwater lakes and rivers, Mary Kay developed a love for water. Since moving to Cape Coral in 2006, she has experienced the declining health of our waters firsthand, motivating her to become a Calusa Waterkeeper Ranger, champion water quality initiatives such as the Florida Right to Clean Water Amendment, and most recently, join the Calusa Waterkeeper Board of Directors.
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