By Alex Rice and Jake Dobson, FGCU Students for Engage Estero

Introduction
Estero is known for its proximity to beautiful beaches, aquatic ecosystems, and vast wetlands. But when you take a deeper look, you will find environmental issues that hurt the area.

The Problem

Poor water quality and nutrient pollution are two major issues in Estero. Oxygen levels are being depleted, fish and wildlife are being harmed, bacterial contamination is increasing, water clarity is declining, and environmental regulations are declining with them. Estero is on the verge of an environmental collapse (Estero, 2021; Casani, 2024; Gillis, 2024).

The Reasons Behind the Problem

We all know that during Florida’s rainy season, it feels like it rains nonstop. All this extra rain causes excess agricultural runoff, where fertilizer gets washed away and pollutes Estero’s waterways. The extra nutrients in the water cause an array of issues. Algae bloom is one of them, which hurts fish, wildlife, and vegetation (Cassani, 2024; Gillis, 2024).

Impacts

Local guidance and ordinances discourage the use of pesticides during the rainy season due to the impacts. Not only are there physical impacts, but since the water becomes darker, it affects tourism all around Lee County, since the water appears “dirtier”. This affects not only wildlife, but small businesses suffer too (Casani, 2024; Gillis, 2024).

What You Can Do Today

Fortunately, there are ways that we can help Estero and the Florida wetlands. First, stop using fertilizers as much as possible, especially during the rainy season. Next, donate or try to volunteer at a local cleanup. Finally, spread the word, together if we bring awareness to the issue and allow people to understand the impacts of these environmental issues, maybe we can help Estero’s waterways thrive (Estero, 2021; Cassani, 2024).

Estero Life. (2021, May 26). FGCU presents findings from Estero River Study – Estero Life Magazine. Estero Life Magazine – Enjoy the Good Life: Estero Life! https://esterolifemagazine.com/fgcu-presents-findings-from-estero-river-study/

Cassani, J. (2025, February 17). Mismanagement is destroying Florida’s coastal waters. The Invading Sea. https://www.theinvadingsea.com/2025/02/18/estero-bay-aquatic-preserve-outstanding-florida-waters-impaired-nutrient-pollution-cape-coral/

Gillis, C. (2024). Florida Development: Estero Bay near Fort Myers polluted by human waste. (n.d.). https://www.news-press.com/story/news/environment/2024/05/30/florida-estero-bay-fort-myers-naples-department-environmental-protection-dep-polluted-human-waste/73768231007/