Florida Red Tide Solutions

NOAA grants $4.7 million to determine whether polluted run off causes red tide
I’m not a big fan of the federal govt (who is?) But when you have a issue that effects several states It can be far more efficient to pool resources. Florida is hit the most often by Red Tide, it’s true. However all states along the Gulf of Mexico get it sometimes. Currently there is Red Tide in Texas for instance. New England (especially Maine) has been experiencing a severe and large Red tide outbreak for two years now.

Let’s also figure in the Florida government’s (and it’s sponsored not-for-profit research orgs like Mote Marine and S.T.A.R.T) absolute refusal to do anything about red tide and other than repeat the same studies, lie about existing research and buy expensive toys. Another thing to factor in would be the fact that a local high school was able to invent red tide killer that doesn’t hurt any other sea life in less than one school year with little to no funding. You have to be glad that someone else is stepping in and taking over. You also have to be suspicious of the motives if that same Florida government and their sponsored not-for-profits.

NOAA has stepped up and granted out $4.7 million dollars to determine whether nutrients generated by farms, homeowners waterfront developments and heavy industry are triggering the red tide blooms that bedevil Florida’s Gulf Coast.
A National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration official said the agency took to heart calls during a contentious July workshop in Sarasota for more research into nutrient links. “Not unexpectedly, the nutrient issue came up as one of the highest priorities,” said Rob Magnien, NOAA’s director for sponsored coastal ocean research. Gee that’s exactly the opposite of the way the State, Mote and START feel.

Environmental groups, such as the Florida Sierra Club, independent bloggers, and a few independent scientists have been expounding the nutrient theory for years. No one disputes that nutrients cause other types of algae blooms, but the impact of nutrients on Karenia brevis, the microscopic organism that causes red tide, remains a mystery.

It all sounds great doesn’t it? But this is America and deception is part of everything that comes from the government. Unfortunately The five-year study will be led by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute in St. Petersburg. Mote Marine will also be part of the study. Both of which have strong ties to the same groups that are causing the nutrient laden polluted run off. Others involved in the study are University of Miami, the University of South Florida, Old Dominion University and the University of Maryland.
These last four have unknown allegiances. Old Dominion University and the University of Maryland aren’t in the state of Florida so that probably means they are insulated from the influence of the citrus growers, phosphate miners, farmers and fertilizer manufacturers. Let’s hope.

Let’s hope that honest research will be done and that it’s speeds a solution to red tide!