As a regional leader, SCCF's Marine Lab is deeply engaged in marine, estuarine, and freshwater research and restoration efforts. The science conducted at our lab informs our policy team's advocacy work, giving SCCF a unique position to engage the public, water managers, and elected officials in protecting one of Southwest Florida's most critical natural resources.
Located at Tarpon Bay, our team of six scientists conducts research that is driven by critical management questions concerning water quality, estuary health, and the restoration of these resources.
The River, Estuary and Coastal Observing Network (RECON) is a network of water quality sensors deployed throughout the Caloosahatchee River and Estuary to provide real-time, water quality data to scientists, policymakers, and the general public.
On a virtual tour of Lighthouse Beach Park, you can see how the water clarity at this location is influenced over time. We take weekly panoramic images with a drone 300 feet in the air to see where the frontal zone of the Caloosahatchee River meets with the Gulf of Mexico.
The weekly water conditions tracker provides a quick snapshot of conditions around Sanibel and Captiva Islands. It also gives insight into how the complex and dynamic system of the Caloosahatchee estuary works by distilling scientific information in a simple and easy-to-understand way.
Wondering if red tide is currently an issue on the islands? Check out various sources that track, forecast, and provide ongoing updates regarding the harmful algal bloom.
SCCF sends out a weekly report of Caloosahatchee, estuary, and coastal conditions to provide real-time conditions to water managers at the Army Corps of Engineers and South Florida Water Management District to inform water delivery operations and policy decisions.
