That was the message from a panel of experts at The Pink Shell Resort this week. The discussion called Economics of Our Ecology – How Blue Equals Green was sponsored by the SanCap and Fort Myers Beach Chambers of Commerce.
Getting and keeping the water clean is the lifeblood of Southwest Florida, whether you run a business that relies on tourism or you love to head out on a boat every weekend to fish or relax. And the five panel speakers wanted luncheon attendees to know how important it is for everyone to get involved in the water issues, and stay involved.
The Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation presented some stunning statistics before the panel discussion. SCCF says another Red Tide event like we had in 2018 could cost Southwest Florida $5.2 Billion in lost economic output. We all recall the dumpsters full of dead fish, the awful smell that traveled for miles, and the lack of activity as tourists found other vacation spots during Red Tide.
SCCF also said a Red Tide event could cost Southwest Florida 43,000 lost jobs, $195 million in lost fishing value and $8.1 billion in lost outdoor recreation. Those numbers were presented by SCCF environmental policy director Matt DePaolis and come from a recently conducted study on the impact of a Harmful Algal Bloom event. You can read the entire study HERE.
Following the presentation the 5 panelists discussed the importance of clean water in Southwest Florida and the fights they are always facing to keep our side of the state top of mind with those who decide water quality issues. The panel included: James Evans CEO of the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation, Dan Andrews, co-founder of Captains For Clean Water; Bill Wachulis, President of Pink Shell Resort and a member of the Lee County Tourist Development Council, Bill Robinson, from the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of REALTORS, and Michele Arquette-Palermo, chief programs officer for Conservancy of Southwest Florida.
Keeping an eye on The Army Corps of Engineers, staying connected to how The Everglades are being restored and electing people who fight for clean water were some of the highlights from the discussion. Pink Shell Resort President Bill Wachulis started the panel off stating that “If our local politicians aren’t focused on water we shouldn’t be voting for them.” It’s a big election year at both the Lee County level and the State level.
Captains For Clean Water co-founder Dan Andrews pointed out how important grass-roots efforts are when battling big industry with deep pockets. “We’re fighting one group that will spend between $25 and $30 million in this election cycle. They have over 70 lobbyists. Our opponents have lobbyists who show up with pictures of past Presidents ready to hand out.” His point to the packed audience at The Pink Shell was, “show up and participate.”
You should also watch this video. Captains For Clean Water co-founder Dan Andrews said Big Sugar has filed a lawsuit regarding a taxpayer funded project at the EAA Reservoir. Andrews says Big Sugar wants to control the water supply. You can also sign a petition HERE.
How can you get involved?
Visit all of these pages and find a way to volunteer:
Captains For Clean Water
Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation
Conservancy of Southwest Florida
The Everglades Foundation