The Calusa Waterkeeper board of directors last week announced the selection of Capt. Codty Pierce as the next Calusa Waterkeeper.

Pierce is a native of Lee County and lifelong outdoorsman, growing up fishing area waters and spending many years observing the hydrology and environments of Pine Island Sound, Charlotte Harbor and Estero Bay.

Pierce turned his passion for the environment into a profession, founding his own successful fishing guide and charter business in 2016 and has been featured on television and at tradeshows, including appearing in multiple episodes of Flats Class TV. He also has spent time in his career performing wetlands restoration and native landscaping services.

“I am grateful for this opportunity to share my knowledge and passion for Southwest Florida’s environment and history. It’s exciting to be able to give back to this place I love, and to be working to improve our environment, educate the public and strive for better environmental standards for our rich and biodiverse coastal community,” Pierce said.

Pierce joins a Calusa Waterkeeper team that now includes Robin Serne (director of engagement), Julie Althaver (fundraising and donor relations) and Administrative Coordinator Cindy Swisher, along with a dedicated group of volunteer board members and rangers, and a membership of over 400 active supporters.

As the Calusa Waterkeeper, Pierce will be the organization’s lead advocate and voice for the waterways it is the non-profit’s mission to protect. His employment with the organization will officially begin March 1.

“We are all thrilled to have Codty joining our team. His passion for our mission is obvious when you listen to him. The energy he brings to our organization at this time is a crucial element in our continued progress,” says CWK Board President Jim Watkins.

John Cassani, who served as the first Calusa Waterkeeper for over six years and retired at the beginning 2023, has known Pierce for a number of years now and also looks forward to this next chapter.

“Codty’s deep roots in the community, his long experience and knowledge about Southwest Florida waters make him an excellent choice as a Waterkeeper,”Cassani said.

The organization will be hosting an event April 2, which will include an opportunity to meet Pierce, recognize Cassani’s service as the Calusa Waterkeeper and support the mission to protect and restore the Caloosahatchee River from Lake Okeechobee to the Coastal Waters. Learn more about this event and buy tickets at calusawaterkeeper.org/ourwater.

About Calusa Waterkeeper

Calusa Waterkeeper is a Fort Myers-based nonprofit organization whose mission is to protect and restore the Caloosahatchee River from Lake Okeechobee to the coastal waters. CWK’s project area covers more than 1,000 square miles of water, and its work includes testing and reporting, educational and community outreach and public advocacy. CWK’s work relies on funding from individual donations, grants and a membership program that includes volunteer Ranger training. CWK is a member of the international Waterkeeper Alliance, with more than 350 Waterkeeper groups fighting for drinkable, fishable, swimable water across six continents. For more information, please visit calusawaterkeeper.org.