Welcoming our New Waterkeeper

Joe Cavanaugh Named New Calusa Waterkeeper, Continuing Non-Profit’s Legacy of Advocacy and Stewardship of Southwest Florida’s Waters

Calusa Waterkeeper, Inc. is proud to announce the appointment of Joe Cavanaugh as the new Calusa Waterkeeper, working to protect and restore the Caloosahatchee River from Lake Okeechobee to the coastal waters of Lee County.

Cavanaugh brings decades of experience in marine science, water quality monitoring, and community engagement to the role. With a long-standing commitment to the Caloosahatchee River and surrounding ecosystems, he has worked extensively at the local and federal levels to promote clean water policies and protect critical habitats—most notably through his former role at NOAA, where he helped monitor and protect Smalltooth Sawfish critical habitat in the Caloosahatchee.

Cavanaugh will be the third person to hold the title of Calusa Waterkeeper since the organization became a Waterkeeper Affiliate in 2016, following John Cassani and Codty Pierce. 

“Safeguarding our local waters has always been personal to me,” said Cavanaugh. “As the new Waterkeeper, I’m honored to stand up for clean water, healthy ecosystems, and the communities that depend on them every day. I’m excited to build on the incredible work that’s already been done and bring new energy to the fight to safeguard the Caloosahatchee River and its watershed. This is a critical time for our waterways, and I’m ready to be their strongest advocate.” | Read Full Press Release

Joe Cavanaugh Calusa Waterkeeper

📝 Standing Up for the Endangered Species Act

We recently told you about a federal proposal to redefine the definition of "harm" in the Endangered Species Act. This is an idea promoted by the Trump administration aiming to remove regulatory hurdles from development actions which stands to eviscerate the ESA's protection of habitats. In one of his first official actions as the Calusa Waterkeeper, Joe Cavanaugh transmitted public comment on this proposal to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service before the deadline on May 19th. Read the Letter

📅 4th Annual Tarpon Fly Fishing Invitational

June 8 -10, 2025

More than just a premier fly-fishing event, the Invitational is a growing force for good—bringing together passionate anglers, conservation-minded brands, and community leaders to support Calusa Waterkeeper’s mission to protect Southwest Florida’s waterways.

This year’s event will also be held in remembrance of Captain Codty Pierce, the former Calusa Waterkeeper whose passion for the region’s waters and tireless advocacy helped shape the future of the organization. Adding to the excitement, the tournament will feature 13-year-old fly casting phenom Elias, who will be fishing on Calusa Waterkeeper’s behalf. A rising star in the world of fly casting, Elias has already made a name for himself by winning the Sanibel Fly Fishers' "Eight-Weight Game" with a 101-foot cast and securing top placements at the ACA Western Championships in Long Beach, California. Read More

It's not too late to become a sponsor of this great event!

📰 In the Press & Around the Watershed

Three sets of turbidity barriers don't appear to be enough while the City of Cape Coral spends millions to remove the Chiquita Lock. 

Calusa Waterkeeper - May 15, 2025

Many thanks to Shell Point Retirement Community for hosting our most recent Vertical Oyster Gardening Seminar, and for the wonderful photos!

Calusa Waterkeeper - May 15, 2025

We're very excited to have fly-fishing phenom, Elias, participating in the Tarpon Fly Fishing Invitational in June!

Epic Fly Rods - March 25, 2025

Stormwater runoff is a dynamic vehicle that can transport pollutants such as nutrients, fecal bacteria, heavy metals, petrochemicals and plastics into our waters.

Calusa Waterkeeper - May 14, 2025

Senate Bill 492/ House Bill 1175 entitled ‘Mitigation Banking’ is headed to the Governor’s desk, so take action NOW!

Waterkeepers Florida - May 14, 2025

Thank you to all our friends who attended our Punch Party on Saturday, where we worked towards preparing 1,000 oyster shells for our next vertical oyster garden commitment.

Calusa Waterkeeper - May 13, 2025

May 3, 2025 aerials from Ralph Arwood - Images of the C-43 Reservoir construction nearing completion. 

Calusa Waterkeeper - May 5, 2025

You have to wonder what more SFWMD could have done over the last several years to have City of Cape Coral officials realize the severity of the aquifer depletion. 

Cape Coral Breeze - May 5, 2025

May 3, 2025 aerials from Ralph Arwood - Beach dredging and filling activities continue all along Fort Myers Beach.

Calusa Waterkeeper - May 5, 2025

May 3, 2025 aerials from Ralph Arwood - Most of our coastal waters are exhibiting high clarity during current drought conditions. But we are once again seeing some early hints of "milky" waters in Matlacha Pass.

Calusa Waterkeeper - May 5, 2025

A special thanks to the 2025 Tarpon Fly Invitational Partners & Sponsors and to event organizers for supporting Calusa Waterkeeper’s mission to protect and restore our waters.

Calusa Waterkeeper - April 25, 2025