FGCU Water School to work with state’s water agency in effort to conserve Lake Okeechobee

FORT MYERS, Fla. – The Florida Gulf Coast University Water School affirmed its commitment Monday to collaborate with state water organizations to protect Lake Okeechobee and its natural resources.

“The Water School is a program of distinction at Florida Gulf Coast University, and our reputation is growing. This means we are attracting new opportunities to assist the state with water-related issues, and we are thrilled to see our partnerships grow,” Director of University Communications & Media Relations Pamela McCabe said to Florida’s Voice.

Covering 730 square miles, Lake Okeechobee is the largest lake in the southeastern United States. However, despite its size, the lake is shallow with an estimated depth of only nine feet.

Specifically, the lake is surrounded by Palm Beach, Martin, Glades, Okeechobee and Hendry counties.

The heart of Florida’s ecosystem, Lake Okeechobee and its wetlands are centered around the Greater Everglades, which stretches from the Kissimmee River through the Everglades into Florida Bay. The lake also is a crucial component of South Florida’s water supply and flood control systems.

Moreover, Lake Okeechobee provides a natural habit for fish and wading birds. The lake is nationally recognized for supporting supporting largemouth bass and black crappie fisheries, as well as commercial use for catfish species.

In addition, the lake’s aquatic plant habitat gives safe haven for fish to spawn and hide from predators. The submersed vegetation include protections to minnow shiners and bream, while the plant’s habitat supplies nutrients for invertebrates and herbivorous fishes.

Speaking in Davie Thursday, Gov. Ron DeSantis stated the Central and South Florida Management System plans to allocate funds towards conducting a study of Lake Okeechobee in collaboration with the Florida Gulf Coast University Water School.

“This will be used for future planning of invasive plant control, re-planting of native vegetation and fish and game management,” DeSantis said.

Opened in 2022, the Water School focuses on “key areas key areas critical to our water-driven world,” which include climate change, natural resources, ecosystem health and well-being, restoration and remediation.

According to McCabe, details of the work have yet to be determined.

“We are currently in discussions with the South Florida Water Management District to finalize details about the scope of this work. Once we complete these discussions, we will be in a better position to elaborate on the work to come,” McCabe said.

Florida’s Voice has reached out to the Southwest Florida Management System for comment.