The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) is urging action to protect the Caloosahatchee Estuary. While the Gulf waters around the islands appear clear and turquoise, the estuary is suffering from low freshwater inflows. Healthy conditions require flows between 750 and 2,100 cubic feet per second (cfs) through the S-79 Franklin Lock and Dam to maintain salinity balance for oyster and tape grass habitats.
As of mid-March, the 14-day average flow at S-79 has been below the optimum range for 142 days and below the minimum flow level of 457 cfs for 109 consecutive days. SCCF is asking residents to contact water managers to increase flows to protect the estuary’s health…