2016 will be remembered by many of us living on Florida’s Gulf coast as one of the worst seasons for red tide in recent years. Throughout the summer and the fall and on into the winter holidays, our beaches and coastal waterways have been plagued with periodic outbreaks of red tide.
The scientific community has been studying the K.brevis algae shown above that causes red tide for many years and there are now some emerging new applications that may finally offer us at least some measure of control over this persistent organism with its toxins that harm or kill many forms of sea life from fish to manatees and irritates the eyes and nasal passages of nearby humans.
With the availability of some new options to control red tide, START has begun an in-depth search to investigate the utility of these new applications. It is our hope that we will find a viable, environmentally sound, approach to control the harmful effects of red tide.
Below are four applications in various stages of development that warrant further consideration:
Green Algae on Florida’s East Coast
Ecosphere Technologies in Stuart, Florida is the company that conducted the cleanup of the major Green Algae infestation from polluted runoff from Lake Okeechobee that plagued some of the communities on Florida’s east coast. According to sources in the area, the cleanup was very effective and was accomplished without any perceived negative impact on the affected marine environment. START is interested in investigating the feasibility of this approach as a possible mechanism to help control red tide.
Research Scientists
Earlier promising research on organisms that naturally live in a red tide bloom and seem to play a role in its cessation was halted due to a lack of funding. Now with the possibility of renewed funding, some scientists are taking another look at these unique organisms. START will work to assist the scientific community by raising more funding to help them complete their studies and hopefully produce a viable control for red tide.
Light Abatement Equipment
The Le Mares Research Group has successfully used a light abatement process in both a laboratory setting and in marine water field tests to repel red tide cells. START hopes to find additional funding to allow further development of this inexpensive and environmentally responsible approach to controlling red tide.
Air Bubble Curtain
The Aquatic Systems Division of Vertex Water Features in Pompano Beach, Florida has been successfully using air bubble curtains in the Florida Keys to keep seaweed, brown drift algae and dead fish from entering canals. START wants to explore the use of the air bubble curtains as a device to keep red tide out of local canals and inlets.
We need your help to fund our quest to find the right solution to control red tide. The number of possible options has never been greater and now is the time to move forward and find the most viable solution.
Your donation of $50.00 or more can be sent to :
START
P.O. Box 642
Tallevast, Fl. 34270
Or you can contribute online by going to https://www.start1.org
Your support is greatly appreciated.
START is a 501 (c) (3) ORGANIZATION AND YOUR DONATION IS TAX DEDUCTIBLE. START IS REGISTERED WITH THE STATE OF FLORIDA: CHAPTER 17198. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
