What's New

Weather Stations Update

Originally deployed in 2012, thanks to funding from the West Coast Inland Navigation District (WCIND) through a grant from Lee County, the RECON weather stations became the first weather stations in this area located directly over the water. Designed to give researchers and boaters near real-time information on the current over water weather conditions, they quickly became the go to weather source for the local boating community. ...

The River, Estuary and Coastal Observing Network (RECON) is a network of water quality sensors deployed throughout the Caloosahatchee river and estuary to provide real-time, water quality data to scientists, policy makers, and the general public.

The extensive watersheds of the Caloosahatchee (1,400 square miles) and Lake Okeechobee (4,400 square miles) each contribute water that flows into the Caloosahatchee estuary and the Gulf of Mexico. Water quality is affected by both Lake Okeechobee discharges and runoff from the Caloosahatchee watershed. Over time, these watersheds have changed from low-nutrient loading marshes and wetlands to high loading urban and agricultural land uses. Nutrients increase turbidity and decrease concentrations of dissolved oxygen (DO). In addition, excess nutrients fuel nuisance algal blooms. Losses of low-nutrient adapted communities, such as seagrasses have contributed to changes in fish, crustacean and marine mammal communities.

Real-time Data

View graphs of recent data

Map View

Zoom-in and pan to sites and obtain a quick summary of current conditions

Boater Forecast

See tide predictions, wind forecasts, and wave heights from the region

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Tarpon

Megalops atlanticus

Tarpon are a prehistoric fish that can be found in bodies of water from freshwater lakes and streams to offshore marine waters. Tarpon have the ability to gulp air to “breathe” at the surface, allowing them to survive in very oxygen-poor waters. The tarpon is sought after for their sporting abilities rather than table fare. These fish are known for their spectacular leaps and head shaking when hooked. Temperature is a big factor in determining when tarpon go on the move; they prefer temperatures between 75° - 90°F and higher and tend to avoid water below 70°F. Some studies have reported mortality at temperatures lower than 55°F, but Tarpon are often able to find warmer water. Tarpon are found in nearly all salinity levels, from totally fresh water to full strength sea water.

Tarpon like temperatures higher than 75° and may move to find warmer waters if the temperature dips below 70°.

Click here for current fishing regulations.

Tarpon Low Temperature Exceeded

Tarpon have an optimal temperature range from 75-90 degrees. When the temperature is below this range, fish may have moved to find a more preferred temperature.