Writer/Producer: Rosie Emery

In 2005, algal blooms that washed up piles of red algae on Southwest Florida beaches mobilized the public and businesses to ask questions and seek answers. 

Behind the scenes, several environmental organizations had been diligently gathering data for years that would help to unravel the interconnections and impacts of fresh water releases from Lake Okeechobee, the Peace, Myakka and Caloosahatchee Rivers.

The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF)
SCCF’s Marine Laboratory launched its RECON network (River, Estuary and Coastal Observing Network) in the fall of 2007.  RECON sensors provide real-time reporting on key water quality parameters and the Lab has established important collaborations with several universities including FGCU.

Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program (CHNEP)
The CHNEP works diligently to educate the public about the Charlotte Harbor watershed and to improve the environmental integrity of the 4,468 square mile region.  Their funding supports organizations working to preserve, restore and enhance sea grass beds, coastal wetlands, barrier beaches, and functionally related uplands and reduce point and non point sources of pollution to attain desired uses of the estuary.

PURRE Water Coalition
PURRE is a nonprofit organization whose members and partners are committed to improving the health and productivity of the rivers and estuaries of South Florida.  PURRE believes that three things are essential:  Awareness and education, advocacy and political action.  PURRE is working on several fronts in the fight to save South Florida’s waterways.

Resources:

Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF)
Tel: 239 472 2329
Rae Ann Wessel, Director Public Policy
Tel: 239 471 7559
www.sccf.org
RECON
www.sccf.org/content/98/RECON.aspx

Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program (CHNEP)
Lisa Beaver, Director
Tel: 239/338-2556
www.chnep.org

PURRE
Michael Valiquette, Chairman
Tel: 239 274 7873
www.purre.org