{"id":2646,"date":"2018-07-03T10:33:25","date_gmt":"2018-07-03T14:33:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mote.org\/?p=2646"},"modified":"2025-01-20T11:51:59","modified_gmt":"2025-01-20T16:51:59","slug":"buchanan-at-mote-marine-laboratory-discusses-funding-to-fight-red-tide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mote.org\/news\/buchanan-at-mote-marine-laboratory-discusses-funding-to-fight-red-tide\/","title":{"rendered":"Buchanan at Mote Marine Laboratory discusses funding to fight red tide"},"content":{"rendered":"

Congressman Vern Buchanan visited Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium in Sarasota on July 2 to discuss federal funding to fight red tide caused by Karenia brevis<\/em> algae.\u00a0 The government funding bill signed into law earlier this year included legislation introduced by Buchanan dedicating $8 million to combat red tide, whose toxins are killing fish and impacting beaches along some areas of the Suncoast.<\/p>\n

\u201cPeople visit and move to Florida to enjoy our beautiful natural resources,\u201d said Buchanan.\u00a0\u201cBut the harmful effects of red tide kill sea life, impact human health and cost the economy millions of dollars in lost revenues. We need to understand more about the toxins in red tide so we can stop their damaging effects. The work being done here at Mote will help manage and mitigate the effects of red tide.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mote researchers work with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Gulf of Mexico Coastal Ocean Observing System, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Florida Department of Health, the University of South Florida, Solutions to Avoid Red Tide and others to investigate Florida’s red tide to understand how blooms form, persist and dissipate, how they affect human and animal populations and whether bloom impacts can be mitigated through new methods and technologies.<\/p>\n

Buchanan’s legislation increased funding for NOAA by $8 million to provide additional resources to reduce the impacts of red tide.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs a challenging Florida red tide bloom persists along the Gulf Coast, it is appropriate that Congressman Vern Buchanan chose to visit Mote Marine Laboratory\u2019s City Island research campus today to discuss the latest developments in our innovative, red tide-focused science, technology and public outreach programs,\u201d said Mote President & CEO Dr. Michael P. Crosby<\/em>.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe recognize Congressman Buchanan for his relentless attention to addressing red tide, and we appreciate that the congressman turned to Mote recently for independent, objective expertise and science-based information as he championed a bipartisan effort resulting in $8 million appropriated to NOAA\u2019s National Ocean Service to fight harmful algal bloom impacts. This meaningful contribution should help the U.S. government take its rightful place in support of much-needed, improved red tide research and mitigation efforts at state and local levels.\u201d<\/p>\n

Within the past week, red tide has been detected at background to medium concentrations at many Suncoast beaches, with some locations from Sarasota to Collier counties experiencing high levels. Residents and visitors can\u00a0Mote’s Beach Conditions Reporting System<\/a>, which provides daily updates on red tide impacts for multiple Gulf Coast beaches, and can report dead fish, respiratory irritation and discolored water by downloading Mote’s free CSIC app (Citizen Science Information Collaboration) for iPhones and Android devices. Check r<\/strong>ed tide status<\/a>\u00a0for weekly statewide reports and mid-week summary reports from the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission and statewide partners.<\/p>\n

Harmful algae blooms cause $82 million in economic losses to the seafood, restaurant and tourism industries each year in the United States, according to NOAA.<\/p>\n

Human consumption of shellfish contaminated with red tide areas can cause severe illness, and people who swim in red tide or inhale its toxins while near the water can\u00a0suffer respiratory irritation, which can be severe in those with chronic respiratory issues, along with skin irritation and rashes.\u00a0The state\u2019s health department even advises that people with severe or chronic respiratory conditions like asthma should steer clear of red tide waters.<\/p>\n

Buchanan, the co-chair of Florida’s congressional delegation, has successfully\u00a0fought<\/a>\u00a0since 2007 for red tide research. The measure was included in the\u00a0Make America Secure and Prosperous Appropriations Act<\/em>, which funds the federal government for fiscal year 2018.<\/p>\n

Florida-wide red tide resources<\/strong><\/p>\n