Sally Tapager
Owner, Tropic Star Cruises

She has seen a lot of businesses on Pine Island sell out. They’re moving to better water. Fish houses are closing.

"I’ve heard from the fishermen that sometimes they go out and get no fish in spots that used to be their favorite fishing holes" she says. "The fish just aren't there anymore" Both commercial and recreational fishermen are feeling the effects.

And like others impacted by the dramatic drop in the area’s water quality, she’s noticed that the birds have been gone for a while. She believes if you follow the pelicans, you can tell how good the fishing is. She hasn't seen a pelican in quite some time.

The biggest problem has been algae blooms and red tide, which has negatively affected the island's tourist business. People are staying away. Not only do they stay away, but they spread the warning to others.

Although she has seen her nature cruise business increase over the last 10 years, she’s worried. Her captains are increasingly reporting poor water quality and algae blooms. Guests ask them why the water is so brown, and they're distressed by the dead fish and dead shore birds they see floating in the water. The changes are dramatic; and the closer one gets to the Caloosahatchee River, the worse it gets.

Sally has seen her chamber membership grow in the wake of the problem. Businesses are seeking strength in numbers to protect the tourism industry upon which nearly one-half of them depend. They know they are surrounded by three aquatic preserves. Anything that impacts the water impacts them.

She’s glad that everyone's attention seems to be turning to the issue. And she firmly believes that something has to happen to address water problems, or there will be even more dire consequences. She and her fellow Pine Island residents and businesses are determined to force changes.

"We're upset, and we're mad," says Sally. "We’re fighting folks!"