Local leaders rally for water quality solutions on July 10th

Water-quality experts at the Sanibel and Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce meeting emphasized the economic ramifications of harmful algal blooms (HAB) and the urgent need for legislative action. Held on July 10 at Pink Shell Beach Resort, the business luncheon featured a panel discussion titled “Economics of our Ecology: How Blue = Green.”

The panel comprised representatives from the four partner organizations that commissioned a study on the economic impact of poor water quality: Matt DePaolis, Environmental Policy Director at Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF); James Evan, CEO of SCCF; Daniel Andrews, Co-founder and Executive Director of Captains For Clean Water; Bill Robinson, Chief Executive Director of Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of REALTORS; and Michele Arquette-Palermo, Chief Programs Officer for Conservancy of Southwest Florida.

DePaolis highlighted the significance of presenting data-driven arguments to legislators, noting that emotional appeals often fall short. The study revealed alarming figures, including a projected $5.2 billion loss in the coastal economy from future HAB events similar to those in 2005 and 2018. Lee County alone stands to lose $3 billion. The research also underscored impacts on jobs, fishing-related revenue, property values, and tax revenue. Detailed results of the study are available at sccf.org.

The panelists discussed past recovery efforts, current measures, and future strategies to combat HABs. Stopping discharges from Lake Okeechobee was identified as a top priority. The region’s ability to withstand individual events like those in 2018 was noted, but the potential for consecutive events poses a significant threat to resilience.