Southwest Florida fishermen are organizing to protect the waterways that draw anglers and tourists to the region, warning that degraded water quality threatens recreation, property values and local wildlife.
Grassroots group formed from frustration at sea
Captains for Clean Water, a nonprofit started a decade ago by two local captains, has focused its work on educating the public about water quality issues and advocating for Everglades restoration as the root solution to recurring coastal problems.
The organization was founded by Capt. Daniel Andrews and Capt. Chris Wittman. Wittman is based in the Fort Myers area. Will Buehn, director of the group’s education and awareness efforts, said the nonprofit grew out of repeated poor experiences on the water that convinced the captains more could be done.
“We (Captains for Clean Water) were founded out of frustration,” said Buehn. “Frustration with what was going on with the water quality and knowing that more could be done. There had to be a better answer.”
Members say much of the region’s coastal decline ties back to altered water flows from Central Florida. Historically, water moved slowly south through the Everglades, filtering naturally and supporting habitat. Drainage projects, canals and development changed that flow, allowing discharges from Lake Okeechobee to enter other waterways and contributing to harmful algae blooms and lower coastal water quality.
Why restoration matters locally
The group emphasizes that restoring natural water flow through Everglades projects is a large-scale but necessary step to reduce harmful algal blooms and improve conditions that affect the Gulf coast and barrier islands.
- Recreation and fishing: Clean water sustains charter fishing, guides and the recreational industry that draws visitors statewide.
- Tourism and local economy: Coastal communities such as Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel and Captiva rely on healthy waterways to attract tourists.
- Property values and wildlife: Water quality issues can depress waterfront property values and harm habitat for fish and birds.
Captains for Clean Water works across several fronts, including public education, outreach to policymakers and community organizing to press for infrastructure and policy solutions tied to Everglades restoration. The effort highlights how localized experiences — captains encountering poor conditions while fishing — can feed into broader environmental advocacy.
Practical implications for residents
For Southwest Florida residents and visitors, the issues raised by Captains for Clean Water translate into tangible concerns: the safety and desirability of swimming and boating areas, the reliability of charter fishing businesses, and the appearance and usability of beaches and estuaries during peak tourist seasons.
| Area of impact | What residents notice |
|---|---|
| Recreation | Reduced fishing quality, advisories for water contact |
| Tourism | Fewer visitors during bloom events, cancellations |
| Property | Potential decline in waterfront property appeal |
Captains for Clean Water’s message is rooted in the idea that long-term improvement requires restoring historic flow patterns through the Everglades — a complex, long-running federal, state and local effort. The nonprofit’s approach reflects a mix of local advocacy and education aimed at building public and political support for those large-scale restoration projects.
Local officials, state agencies and federal partners remain engaged in Everglades restoration work. Captains for Clean Water seeks to amplify the voices of those who make their living on the water and to keep restoration high on the agenda for policymakers who control funding and permitting decisions. For residents, the group’s activities are a reminder that coastal water quality remains a community issue tied to decisions made upstream and far beyond the shoreline.
Reporting from Fort Myers.
