Caloosahatchee Watershed

The Caloosahatchee Watershed system has been subject to constant changes throughout its history from reports of the Calusa people digging small ditches to allow for travel between the Okeechobee lake and the Caloosahatchee river during the wet season to the intensive dredging projects that have molded south Florida waterways into the state that it is in today. These changes have permanently altered the natural hydrology of the region, and this has resulted in poor water quality throughout the river and into the estuary. While there is no one singular point source that is diminishing the quality of the water, widespread development, agriculture, and urbanization has contributed to this issue. Nutrient pollution from agricultural runoff, septic tanks, wastewater treatment centers, stormwater seepage, and other sources is the main concern when analyzing the quality of the water. While the nutrients themselves are not inherently dangerous to the environment, they enable the growth of algae that has plagued the flowing waters over the past few decades. Algae blooms are detrimental to South Florida's ecosystem and can even have an adverse effect as far out as the Gulf in the way that it carries vital ingredients for the formation of red tide (Karenia brevis). Being located at the mouth of the Caloosahatchee river, SCCF works diligently to monitor the water quality, quantity, timing, and distribution that flows into our aquatic environment.

The land characteristics section showcases six different land classification maps representing various years, and providing valuable insights into the changing landscape surrounding the Caloosahatchee River. Land use refers to how land is utilized for different purposes, such as agriculture, urban development, forests, wetlands, and more. These land classification maps depict the distribution and composition of land cover across the region, allowing us to understand the transformations that have taken place over time. These maps help us to understand the impacts to the Caloosahatchee watershed. First, the land use classification helps us understand the impact of human activities on the aquatic environment. By analyzing the changes in land use, we can identify patterns and trends that may contribute to nutrient pollution, habitat loss, and other ecological challenges. Second, these maps provide a visual representation of the interconnectedness between land and water systems. The quality and quantity of water flowing into the Caloosahatchee River are influenced by the surrounding land uses, making it essential to understand the relationships between the two. The maps also enable us to evaluate the effectiveness of land management practices, conservation efforts, and land-use planning strategies that can be implemented to protect the aquatic environment.

By comparing maps from different years, we can identify areas of concern, and potential opportunities for restoration and conservation initiatives. Through these maps, we gain a deeper understanding of the dynamic relationship between human activities and the natural environment, empowering us to make informed decisions and foster sustainable practices for the benefit of both the land and water.

The topography and hydrography maps provide a comprehensive depiction of the landscape's elevation and hydrological network within the Caloosahatchee River region. Mapping the topography and waterways is crucial for understanding the natural terrain and water flow patterns, offering valuable insights for environmental conservation and management. Understanding the topographic features helps identify areas prone to runoff, which can contribute to water pollution and sedimentation in the river. The overlay of streams adds another layer of information, allowing us to examine the network of flowing water within the landscape. It helps identify the main river channels, tributaries, and their connectivity, providing insights into the river's hydrological dynamics. Mapping the flow of water is essential for watershed management, as it aids in identifying critical habitats (for oysters, tape grass, and manatees), wetlands, and differences between man made canals and natural streams that are vital for maintaining water quality and supporting diverse aquatic ecosystems. By integrating topography and stream data into a comprehensive map, we gain a deeper understanding of the physical landscape and hydrological characteristics of the Caloosahatchee River region. This knowledge empowers decision-makers, scientists, and communities to make informed choices regarding land use, water resource management, and conservation practices. It supports sustainable development and enhances environmental resilience.

Nutrient pollution, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus, significantly impacts the ecosystems within the Caloosahatchee River Watershed. Nitrogen originates from various sources, including agricultural runoff, wastewater treatment plants, and stormwater runoff, triggering a phenomenon known as eutrophication. Phosphorus or phosphate works in the same way, and may originate from the same sources as nitrogen. Excessive nitrogen and phosphorus levels stimulate algal growth, leading to the formation of harmful algal blooms that disrupt the river's natural balance. Algae blooms hinder the growth of submerged aquatic plants, disrupt the food chain, and deplete oxygen levels, suffocating fish and other organisms dependent on oxygen. The altered ecological balance also impacts recreational activities and the aesthetic appeal of the river.

Chlorophyll-a, a key indicator of water quality, plays a significant role in the Caloosahatchee River ecosystem. It is responsible for capturing sunlight during photosynthesis and its concentration increases with excessive nutrient inputs. Chlorophyll-a thus, while not directly indicative of algae biomass, can provide us with insight on how much plant and algae growth is occurring at each water quality station. Mapping chlorophyll-a concentrations allows for a better understanding of the spatial distribution and potential intensity of algal blooms in this way. Through interactive maps displaying chlorophyll-a, nitrogen, and phosphate levels, users can explore the temporal and spatial patterns of nutrient pollution in the Caloosahatchee River.

There are limitations in the data when mapping the chlorophyll-a values for the S78 and S235 stations due to differences in measurements across various water quality organizations.