Marco Sportfishing Club, one of the largest groups of outdoor enthusiasts in the SWFL area, has focused its 860 family members attention on an environmental issue that is having a major impact on their lifestyle. That issue is water quality and the need to get involved and be a part of “the solution.”
Recent area water quality test results confirmed that Marco’s elected officials and those who are supposed to ensure that the water stays clean and free of containments have not been doing their job. Members who live on Marco are becoming increasingly concerned with the changes in the clarity of the water in the canals, along with area water runoff, water management and drainage — major contributors to these problems. Sea life in the canals (dolphins, manatees, fish) has decreased considerably; the water has become cloudy and turbid; algae blooms occur frequently, sea grass areas have disappeared and, as most club members know, the fishing is getting tougher and tougher.
One of the main reasons most of our members chose to live in this beautiful Southwest Florida location was because of water access and quality. Whether to fish in it, swim in it, boat on it, or to just admire its beauty – poor water quality is now impacting the traditional use of this valuable asset.
Although these dramatic water quality changes are increasingly impacting what once was a pristine and productive environment, no proactive measures have been or are being taken to correct the underlying problems. Without any fact-based short- and long-term “planning” in place, including goals, objectives, actions, and budgets, water quality will continue to deteriorate.
Effective communications are usually key to grass-root driven change. Through workshops and member lobbying initiatives, our entire community needs to get behind “clean water” efforts. Without a doubt, strong representation by concerned citizens at City Council and Waterways Committee meetings help convince those in charge about the severity of the problem and discuss actions that need to be taken. Increase awareness in your community about water quality. Please follow our lead and take action! Attend City Council and Waterways committee meetings and share your concerns with them. Write to your City Council members and let them know how you feel. Support the ones who listen to you. Most of your friends and neighbors may not know the seriousness of this problem. Please share your concerns with them. More people need to know. Please get involved!
Howard Laskau
Marco Sportfishing Club President
Dedicated to Safe Fishing in and Around Marco Island