Crews finish phase one of algae removal in Cape Coral canal but more work expected

Reporter: Stephanie Byrne
Published: Updated:
Algae from the Rubicon Canal System in Cape Coral has been removed. (CREDIT: WINK News)

For at least a month, Cathy Corey’s views have been obscured by a thick mat of algae.

The southeast Cape Coral canal she lives near is covered in it. And while there is movement to remove the green gunk, it keeps returning.

The algae mats move with the tide and winds. It’s a type of algae that normally lives at the bottom of canals but has floated to the surface.

And while it’s not toxic, it can cause fish kills by depleting oxygen in the water.

“Nothing has changed,” Corey said. “I just don’t like it. It’s not pretty.”

It also keeps Corey and her husband from getting on their boat.

“It’s worse to me because it’s now encapsulated,” Corey said. “The entire place where our boat is, and before it had some breakup points.”

Cleanup in the Rubicon Canal System started this month. Solitude Lake Management said they wrapped up work this week after working additional days because they were down a boat.

Corey is hopeful for some relief soon.

“You have to always be hopeful,” Corey said.

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