Fifth Blue-Green Algae Health Alert for the Caloosahatchee River

The Florida Department of Health in Lee County has issued its fifth health alert this year for blue-green algae in the Caloosahatchee River.

This time, testing found the harmful algae west of the Broadway Street Bridge in the canals next to Sebastian Court in Alva.

Blue-green algae can be dangerous. Do not drink, swim, wade, use a watercraft, or come into contact with water if you can see a bloom.

If you can see a visible bloom, it’s best to move elsewhere.

If you come into contact with algae or discolored water that smells unpleasant, wash your skin and clothing with soap and water.

Keep your pets away from the water and do not let them drink or go in the water. Blue-green algae has killed pets and livestock.

Eating fillets of healthy fish from thriving freshwater lakes is safe. Rinse fish fillets with tap or bottled water, discard the entrails, and cook the fish thoroughly.

However, do not eat shellfish in waters with algae blooms.

“Blooms have the potential to produce toxins, and what causes them to do so is still unclear,” the health department warns in a statement. “Because bloom conditions can change at any time, it is important to exercise caution as if the bloom were toxic, even if the presence of toxins has not yet been confirmed.”

The Alva Boat Ramp and the nearby Davis Boat Ramp are common places where blue-green algae outbreaks are first noticed. Only a few develop into full-grown flowers that spread downstream. At least so far this year.

Blue-green algae is a type of bacteria that is common in Florida’s freshwater environments. A bloom occurs when the rapid growth of algae results in a collection of individual cells that discolor the water and often form floating mats that emit unpleasant odors.

Some environmental factors that contribute to blue-green algae blooms include sunny days, warm water temperatures, stagnant water conditions, and excess nutrients.

Flowers can appear year-round but are more common in summer and fall. Many types of blue-green algae can produce toxins.

Sign up for WGCU’s monthly environmental newsletter Green lightningToday.

WGCU is your trusted source for news and information in Southwest Florida. We are a not-for-profit public service and your support is more important than ever. Keep the public media strong and Donate now. Thank you very much.