01/31/2019
Donna Miller and Heather Monroe
(RED TIDE UPDATE – JAN 30) For the first time in a LONG time, there are no indications of red tide at ANY of Florida’s beaches. This is great news! Here’s the latest status, reason for improvement, & outlook:
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TODAY’S BOTTOM-LINE:
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➡️ There were nearly 30 visual observations taken today from Clearwater to Marco Island. There were no reports of fish kill or respiratory issues.
➡️ All of the water samples taken within the past seven days show healthy water with only background levels of karenia brevis.
➡️ I don’t see any indications of an algae bloom when looking at the latest satellite imagery.
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WHY THE IMPROVEMENT?:
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➡️ The Gulf has dropped into the upper 50s. The optimal water temperature for karenia brevis is around 72 degrees, so the cooler water temps are less than ideal for red tide.
➡️ The dry season has dramatically reduced the amount of runoff and discharge from Lake Okeechobee, Caloosahatchee River Basin, & other nutrient rich sources.
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IS THIS RED TIDE EVENT OVER?:
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➡️ It’s been over 15 months since this ecologically & economically devastating red tide event began. So, is it finally over?
This week’s water samples, observations, & satellite imagery are showing that red tide is definitely on hiatus. But, I think it’s a little preliminary to say that the 2017/2018/2019 event is completely over. I, personally, would like to see only background levels of karenia brevis at all of Florida beaches for one or two months before saying that it is completely over.
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ANY RED TIDE MITIGATION?:
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➡️ Mote Marine has launched the Red Tide Institute to study mitigation and control techniques. This is a great initiative, but additional statewide academic, government, & private industries need to join the fight against red tide. We need to understand as much as possible about how/when/where/why karenia brevis (and blue green algae) develop & propagate.
➡️ Sarasota is installing three-chamber filters in storm drains. This will help reduce rubbish, nitrogen, & other nutrients from reaching the Gulf of Mexico. This is a great example of mitigation at the city or county level. These type of efforts are needed all across the state.
➡️ I am seeing more signs pop up at public beaches warning of the possibility of red tide. But, in my opinion, there’s still a big disconnect between the community & tourists. Greater awareness & signage needs to be displayed at public & private beaches when red tide is present. If you are like me, you’ve seen out of state/country tourists splashing in the Gulf when the water is blatantly tainted with a toxic algae bloom.
➡️ The Florida Dept. of Health has been looking into the effects of red tide on humans. Continued & further research is needed to fully understand the impact of karenia brevis on humans. In my opinion, we are severely lacking information on the health of the Gulf AFTER red tide. Even with karenia brevis on hiatus, are there any microorganisms from the dead fish on the sea floor or any dangers still lurking in the water?
➡️ On the state and federal level there are a few projects underway to address pollutants from agricultural runoff, leakage from septic tanks, etc. BUT, this is still a huge issue and one that needs to be addressed. If these issues are not addressed then red tide events of this magnitude will likely return (and with greater frequency). Bottom Line: We must be better stewards of the land & water.
