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3. Natural Resources and Environmental Quality

In fisheries management, setting the acceptable biological catch (ABC) is vital to ensure sustainable harvest without overexploiting fish stocks. The ABC determines how much fish can be harvested each year, and is estimated using a stock assessment model that brings together multiple data sources to estimate fish abundance and productivity.  However, in the Gulf of [&#8230;]

<figure id="attachment_4501" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-4501" style="width: 540px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" class="wp-image-4501 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="Photo by scanning electron microscope of Karenia brevis aka red tide. Courtesy of FWC" width="540" height="394" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/collierco/files/2024/06/K.-brevis-aka-red-tide-FWC-photo.jpg"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-4501" class="wp-caption-text">Photo taken from a scanning electron microscope of Karenia brevis aka red tide. Photo By: FWC. * Banner photo: A red tide killed snook washed ashore in Southwest Florida. Photo By: Chris O&#8217;Meara AP.</figcaption></figure>
In fisheries management, setting the acceptable biological catch (ABC) is vital to ensure sustainable harvest without overexploiting fish stocks. The ABC determines how much fish can be harvested each year, and is estimated using a stock assessment model that brings together multiple data sources to estimate fish abundance and productivity.  However, in the Gulf of Mexico, red tides introduce a lot of uncertainty into this process. Ongoing red tide blooms can leave managers guessing about their impacts on fish stocks when trying to set the ABC. This uncertainty about red tide impacts can lead to lower catch levels for commercial and recreational fishers, resulting in a lower ABC and less opportunities to bring fish home. To learn more about the ins and outs of  fisheries management in Florida, check out the third education module in the FREE <a href="https://ifas-seagrant.catalog.instructure.com/?filters%5B%5D=free">Florida Friendly Angler</a> online program!
<figure id="attachment_4493" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-4493" style="width: 354px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img decoding="async" class="wp-image-4493 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="354" height="186" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/collierco/files/2024/06/The-OFL-ABC-ACL-ACT-framework.jpg"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-4493" class="wp-caption-text">Framework of harvest limits used in fisheries management</figcaption></figure>
Red tides affect fish populations and ecosystems in several ways.  First, the brevetoxin released by red tide affects the central nervous system of fish and can result in large fish kills. Moreover, there are multiple sublethal and indirect effects of red tide such as low oxygen, impacts to benthic habitat, movement, and food web dynamics. Red tide could possibly alter the amount of bait/forage available for our prized game fish to eat and negatively impact the habitat where they live. In other words, a gag grouper that is exposed to red tide or poor water quality will have less food to eat, slower growth, and be less likely to survive, reproduce, and maybe one day be caught.  Combined with the fact that red tide doesn’t occur in the same place every time, with the same severity or duration makes estimating red tide impacts on reef fish species tough!
<figure id="attachment_4497" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-4497" style="width: 407px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img decoding="async" class="wp-image-4497 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="407" height="305" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/collierco/files/2024/06/Sheepshead1.jpg"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-4497" class="wp-caption-text">A sheepshead washed ashore from a red tide bloom in Southwest Florida. Photo By: Bryan Fluech.</figcaption></figure>
To tackle this difficult task of estimating red tide impacts on fish stocks and helping make better informed management decisions, comes a new project that aims to a estimate and incorporating red tide mortality into the ABC determination for Gulf of Mexico (GoM) reef fishes. The “<a href="https://restoreactscienceprogram.noaa.gov/projects/red-tide-and-reef-fish-modeling">Operationalizing the West Florida Shelf ecosystem model and application to red tides, stock assessment, and catch advice for Gulf of Mexico reef fish</a>” project was funded by the NOAA Restore Science Program.  The project team is developing satellite products to map red tides that will inform an ecosystem model designed to account for factors like the severity and duration of red tide blooms, their lethal and sublethal impact on fish and other marine fauna, and ecosystem dynamics.
<figure id="attachment_4499" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-4499" style="width: 583px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-4499 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="583" height="232" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/collierco/files/2024/06/Fig-2.-K.-brevis-bloom-frequency-maps-from-integration-of-water-sample-data-and-MODIS-satellite-observations.-Figure-adapted-from-Hu-et-al.-2022.jpg"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-4499" class="wp-caption-text">Bloom frequency maps from integration of water sample data and MODIS satellite observations. Figure adapted from Hu et al. (2022).</figcaption></figure>
In previous work, the ecosystem model was used to inform the ABC for gag grouper, resulting in a longer fishing season because the impacts on ongoing blooms were estimated to be lower than anticipated.  The project team will refine the model&#8217;s inputs and extend its application to additional GoM reef fishes over the next five years. Furthermore, it will develop improved satellite-derived red tide maps and update biogeochemical models to estimate nutrient and oxygen dynamics. These model improvements will enable more precise estimation of red tide mortality rates on various reef fish species undergoing stock assessments. The project outcomes will be presented at workshops and incorporated into stock assessments, ensuring that the ABC reflects current red tide conditions. By operationalizing this modeling framework, fisheries managers can conduct routine red tide assessments, enhancing the sustainability of Gulf fisheries!
<h2></h2>
<h2>Where you can help!</h2>
<h3>Are you an angler, boater or beach goer living in Florida and wish to help researchers know more about red tide?</h3>
<figure id="attachment_4745" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-4745" style="width: 450px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-4745 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="450" height="576" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/collierco/files/2024/06/Fish-Kill-Hotline-.jpg"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-4745" class="wp-caption-text">The web-based FWC Fish Kill Hotline form. Responses are also collected through phone by calling 1-800-636-0511.</figcaption></figure>
<h3><a href="https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/2485ecbeded748689725da57b1bc319a">Then please consider submitting data to the FWC Fish Kill Hotline anytime you experience dead marine life, particularly when red tide may be present! </a></h3>
The Fish Kill Hotline survey tool used to collect general fish kill reports may be accessed via the hyperlink above or by copy and pasting this link into your browser:
<a href="https://bit.ly/FKHotline">https://bit.ly/FKHotline </a>
OR
<a href="https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1AOsyJqHCThEPb0">https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/2485ecbeded748689725da57b1bc319ahttps://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1AOsyJqHCThEPb0</a>
OR
By calling 1-800-636-0511 and letting them know what you have seen!
Learn more about the <a href="https://myfwc.com/research/saltwater/health/fish-kills-hotline/#:~:text=You%20can%20also%20contact%20the,of%20fish%20kills%20and%20disease.">FWC Fish Kill Hotline by visiting their landing page here</a>
<figure id="attachment_4743" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-4743" style="width: 385px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-4743 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="385" height="362" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/collierco/files/2024/06/FWC-fish-kill-hotline-screen-grab.jpg"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-4743" class="wp-caption-text">Neat and helpful data generated from FWC Fish Kill Hotline responses. This information can assist managers know where kills are occurring, the magnitude of the damage and more which can help identify cause of mortality.</figcaption></figure>
&nbsp;
Fish kills aren&#8217;t unique to red tide, there can be a number of causes how and why they can occur (low dissolved oxygen, pollution, storms/tidal surge, blue green algae); however for the project above, we are most interested in marine reports. Information researchers are interested in for this project includes: where did you encounter red tide? Did you see any dead/dying marine life? If so which species? Did your plans change due to encountering red tide? These and a few more questions can improve the models and help managers a TON by helping us determine how fisheries are affected by red tides!
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Have a question about red tide and fisheries management you would like answered? <a href="https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1RZnQdqIrIeOgXY">Submit your question via this link here and check back to this blog periodically where selected questions and answers will be posted!</a>
<figure id="attachment_4505" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-4505" style="width: 452px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-4505 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="452" height="338" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/collierco/files/2024/06/Photo-Kate-Spinner-Red-tide-Sarasota-Herald-Tribune-1.jpg"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-4505" class="wp-caption-text">A typical sight during a red tide bloom with both forage and game fish washed ashore. Help us determine which fish dying, where and when by responding to the reporting survey above! Photo By: Kate Spinner Sarasota Herald-Tribune.</figcaption></figure>
<h2>Resources:</h2>
<ul>
<li>Red Tide Updates:
<ul>
<li>There are plenty(!) of resources and educational materials created about red tide! Check the links below to find information on red tide monitoring, forecasts and beach conditions that you may want to add to your red tide tackle box if and when a bloom occurs.  <a href="https://myfwc.com/research/about/connect/subscribe/">The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) has a service where you can subscribe to to receive weekly email and/or text notifications on the detection and current status of red tide throughout the state.  </a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<a href="https://member.everbridge.net/453003085614923/login"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class=" wp-image-4559 alignright" src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/collierco/files/2024/06/Naples-Red-tide-status.jpg" alt="" width="378" height="184" /></a>
<ul>
<li style="list-style-type: none">
<ul>
<li>Collier County also has an automated notification system regarding red tide presence/status at county specific locations. <a href="https://member.everbridge.net/453003085614923/login">To sign up for theses updates check out this link</a><a href="https://member.everbridge.net/453003085614923/login">.</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li><a href="https://myfwc.com/research/saltwater/health/fish-kills-hotline/causes/">Common Causes of Fish Kills in Florida</a>&#8211; Dead fish doesn’t always mean red tide, low dissolved oxygen, blue green algae, and extreme weather events can result in a fish kill. Check the link to learn more!</li>
<li>Monitoring: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://myfwc.com/research/redtide/statewide/?redirect=redtidestatus">FWC Link to current red tide status throughout the state of Florida</a></li>
<li><a href="https://visitbeaches.org/beach/49/report/41723">Mote Marine Laboratory beach condition reporting system for Florida</a>. Information regarding red tide presence with plenty of info on tidal and environmental conditions across many beaches within our state. </li>
<li><a href="http://ocgweb.marine.usf.edu/hab_tracking/HAB_trajectories.html">USF Ocean Circulation Lab Red Tide Prediction and Tracking</a></li>
<li><a href="https://coastalscience.noaa.gov/science-areas/habs/hab-forecasts/gulf-of-mexico/">National Centers For Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) harmful algae bloom forecasts for Florida and Texas</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Reporting:
<ul>
<li>Live on the west coast of Florida and would like to help researchers record observations during a red tide? <a href="https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1AOsyJqHCThEPb0">Please consider taking this brief survey when you encounter a bloom near you.</a></li>
<li>FWC Fish Kill Hotline 800-636-0511 </li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Red Tide Fact Sheets:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://myfwc.com/media/12422/karenia-brevis-factsheet.pdf">Karenia brevis (red tide) fact sheet</a></li>
<li><a href="https://myfwc.com/media/16370/2013-ecphab-brochure_red-tides-on-the-west-florida-shelf.pdf">Red Tides on the West Florida Shelf</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Red Tide FAQs:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://myfwc.com/research/redtide/faq/">FWC red tide frequently asked questions</a></li>
<li><a href="https://coastalscience.noaa.gov/science-areas/habs/hab-forecasts/gulf-of-mexico/faqs/">National Centers For Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) Gulf of Mexico harmful algal bloom frequently asked questions</a></li>
<li><a href="https://mote.org/news/florida-red-tide">Mote Marine red tide frequently asked questions</a></li>
<li>Blog: <a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/charlotteco/2018/08/14/frequently-asked-questions-about-the-2018-red-tide-bloom/">Frequently Asked Questions about the 2018 Red Tide Bloom</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Red Tide Seafood Safety/Fishing: 
<ul>
<li>Blog: <a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/news/2023/03/29/when-red-tide-hits-is-your-seafood-safe-a-uf-expert-answers-questions/">When red tide hits, is your seafood safe? A UF expert answers questions</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Red Tide General Info: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://myfwc.com/media/21885/bloom-historic-database.pdf">Historic frequency of red tide in Florida by year and month in Florida, FWC</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Videos: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1er085e7M54">Red Tide in Florida FWC Infographic Video</a> (4:32)</li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VRyW2C3yhg">Red Tide Facts and Myths Collier County Video</a> (26:32)</li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26l5I50KbL4">Red Tide and Seafood Safety FWC Infographic Video</a> (4:19)</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Peer Reviewed Papers:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20411030/">Literature Review of Florida Red Tide: Implications for Human Health Effects</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.int-res.com/abstracts/meps/v378/p171-186/">Effects of Karenia brevis harmful algal blooms on nearshore fish communities in southwest Florida</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0304380018304101?casa_token=CWsj_EO99pAAAAAA:0gpg-eCsFDqwSa6jxHokVVG0Yp6_gRJF8S93ClFyG_y2rARq-fZWlTPP4dc9Cjd5pj_HKU62TA">Effects of Karenia brevis harmful algal blooms on fish community structure on the West Florida Shelf</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-29327-z">Evaluating red tide effects on the West Florida Shelf using a spatiotemporal ecosystem modeling framework</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1568988308001571?casa_token=zKOrbpFokv8AAAAA:dD0iAZWpEDZ1oWsNR-2S_thvqsdw-kd9-go_8ptY3scuU70LkHUuir4tK-ZqllknBQN2CixMKg">Karenia brevis red tides, brevetoxins in the food web, and impacts on natural resources: Decadal advancements</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Blue-Green Algae aka Cyanobacteria and other HABs:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/manateeco/2020/07/14/resources-for-understanding-blue-green-algae-cyanobacteria-blooms/">Resources for understanding blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) blooms</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>General resources: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://water.ifas.ufl.edu/harmful-algal-blooms/faq/">University of Florida harmful algae bloom website.</a> Information of causes, effects, solutions and FAQs of HABs</li>
<li><a href="https://www.protectingfloridatogether.gov/education-center">Protecting Florida Together</a>; website with information regarding red tide/blue green algae task force, habitat restoration etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;">				<iframe loading="lazy" title="Swimming Karenia brevis 10&#039;" style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" src="https://embedr.flickr.com/photos/44940561414" width="500" height="373" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
Karenia brevis aka &#8220;red tide&#8221; cells swimming! These microscopic organisms belong to the dinoflagellate phylum of algae which have appendages that allow them to move around in the water column. The word dinoflagellate is derived from the Greek dînos meaning  &#8220;whirling&#8221; and Latin flagellum meaning &#8220;whip.&#8221; K. brevis&#8217;s unique motion helps researchers identify red tide cells from other phytoplankton and algae in a water sample.

Photo taken from a scanning electron microscope of Karenia brevis aka red tide. Photo By: FWC. * Banner photo: A red tide killed snook washed ashore in Southwest Florida. Photo By: Chris O’Meara AP.
In fisheries management, setting the acceptable biological catch (ABC) is vital to ensure sustainable harvest without overexploiting fish stocks. The ABC determines how much fish can be harvested each year, and is estimated using a stock assessment model that brings together multiple data sources to estimate fish abundance and productivity.  However, in the Gulf of Mexico, red tides introduce a lot of uncertainty into this process. Ongoing red tide blooms can leave managers guessing about their impacts on fish stocks when trying to set the ABC. This uncertainty about red tide impacts can lead to lower catch levels for commercial and recreational fishers, resulting in a lower ABC and less opportunities to bring fish home. To learn more about the ins and outs of  fisheries management in Florida, check out the third education module in the FREE Florida Friendly Angler online program!
Framework of harvest limits used in fisheries management
Red tides affect fish populations and ecosystems in several ways.  First, the brevetoxin released by red tide affects the central nervous system of fish and can result in large fish kills. Moreover, there are multiple sublethal and indirect effects of red tide such as low oxygen, impacts to benthic habitat, movement, and food web dynamics. Red tide could possibly alter the amount of bait/forage available for our prized game fish to eat and negatively impact the habitat where they live. In other words, a gag grouper that is exposed to red tide or poor water quality will have less food to eat, slower growth, and be less likely to survive, reproduce, and maybe one day be caught.  Combined with the fact that red tide doesn’t occur in the same place every time, with the same severity or duration makes estimating red tide impacts on reef fish species tough!
A sheepshead washed ashore from a red tide bloom in Southwest Florida. Photo By: Bryan Fluech.
To tackle this difficult task of estimating red tide impacts on fish stocks and helping make better informed management decisions, comes a new project that aims to a estimate and incorporating red tide mortality into the ABC determination for Gulf of Mexico (GoM) reef fishes. The “Operationalizing the West Florida Shelf ecosystem model and application to red tides, stock assessment, and catch advice for Gulf of Mexico reef fish” project was funded by the NOAA Restore Science Program.  The project team is developing satellite products to map red tides that will inform an ecosystem model designed to account for factors like the severity and duration of red tide blooms, their lethal and sublethal impact on fish and other marine fauna, and ecosystem dynamics.
Bloom frequency maps from integration of water sample data and MODIS satellite observations. Figure adapted from Hu et al. (2022).
In previous work, the ecosystem model was used to inform the ABC for gag grouper, resulting in a longer fishing season because the impacts on ongoing blooms were estimated to be lower than anticipated.  The project team will refine the model’s inputs and extend its application to additional GoM reef fishes over the next five years. Furthermore, it will develop improved satellite-derived red tide maps and update biogeochemical models to estimate nutrient and oxygen dynamics. These model improvements will enable more precise estimation of red tide mortality rates on various reef fish species undergoing stock assessments. The project outcomes will be presented at workshops and incorporated into stock assessments, ensuring that the ABC reflects current red tide conditions. By operationalizing this modeling framework, fisheries managers can conduct routine red tide assessments, enhancing the sustainability of Gulf fisheries!

Where you can help!
Are you an angler, boater or beach goer living in Florida and wish to help researchers know more about red tide?
The web-based FWC Fish Kill Hotline form. Responses are also collected through phone by calling 1-800-636-0511.
Then please consider submitting data to the FWC Fish Kill Hotline anytime you experience dead marine life, particularly when red tide may be present! 
The Fish Kill Hotline survey tool used to collect general fish kill reports may be accessed via the hyperlink above or by copy and pasting this link into your browser:
https://bit.ly/FKHotline 
OR
https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/2485ecbeded748689725da57b1bc319ahttps://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1AOsyJqHCThEPb0
OR
By calling 1-800-636-0511 and letting them know what you have seen!
Learn more about the FWC Fish Kill Hotline by visiting their landing page here
Neat and helpful data generated from FWC Fish Kill Hotline responses. This information can assist managers know where kills are occurring, the magnitude of the damage and more which can help identify cause of mortality.
 
Fish kills aren’t unique to red tide, there can be a number of causes how and why they can occur (low dissolved oxygen, pollution, storms/tidal surge, blue green algae); however for the project above, we are most interested in marine reports. Information researchers are interested in for this project includes: where did you encounter red tide? Did you see any dead/dying marine life? If so which species? Did your plans change due to encountering red tide? These and a few more questions can improve the models and help managers a TON by helping us determine how fisheries are affected by red tides!
 
 
 
Have a question about red tide and fisheries management you would like answered? Submit your question via this link here and check back to this blog periodically where selected questions and answers will be posted!
A typical sight during a red tide bloom with both forage and game fish washed ashore. Help us determine which fish dying, where and when by responding to the reporting survey above! Photo By: Kate Spinner Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
Resources:
Red Tide Updates:

There are plenty(!) of resources and educational materials created about red tide! Check the links below to find information on red tide monitoring, forecasts and beach conditions that you may want to add to your red tide tackle box if and when a bloom occurs.  The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) has a service where you can subscribe to to receive weekly email and/or text notifications on the detection and current status of red tide throughout the state.  

Collier County also has an automated notification system regarding red tide presence/status at county specific locations. To sign up for theses updates check out this link.
 
Common Causes of Fish Kills in Florida– Dead fish doesn’t always mean red tide, low dissolved oxygen, blue green algae, and extreme weather events can result in a fish kill. Check the link to learn more!
Monitoring: 

FWC Link to current red tide status throughout the state of Florida
Mote Marine Laboratory beach condition reporting system for Florida. Information regarding red tide presence with plenty of info on tidal and environmental conditions across many beaches within our state. 
USF Ocean Circulation Lab Red Tide Prediction and Tracking
National Centers For Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) harmful algae bloom forecasts for Florida and Texas
Reporting:

Live on the west coast of Florida and would like to help researchers record observations during a red tide? Please consider taking this brief survey when you encounter a bloom near you.
FWC Fish Kill Hotline 800-636-0511 
Red Tide Fact Sheets:

Karenia brevis (red tide) fact sheet
Red Tides on the West Florida Shelf
Red Tide FAQs:

FWC red tide frequently asked questions
National Centers For Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) Gulf of Mexico harmful algal bloom frequently asked questions
Mote Marine red tide frequently asked questions
Blog: Frequently Asked Questions about the 2018 Red Tide Bloom
Red Tide Seafood Safety/Fishing: 

Blog: When red tide hits, is your seafood safe? A UF expert answers questions
Red Tide General Info: 

Historic frequency of red tide in Florida by year and month in Florida, FWC
Videos: 

Red Tide in Florida FWC Infographic Video (4:32)
Red Tide Facts and Myths Collier County Video (26:32)
Red Tide and Seafood Safety FWC Infographic Video (4:19)
Peer Reviewed Papers:

Literature Review of Florida Red Tide: Implications for Human Health Effects
Effects of Karenia brevis harmful algal blooms on nearshore fish communities in southwest Florida
Effects of Karenia brevis harmful algal blooms on fish community structure on the West Florida Shelf
Evaluating red tide effects on the West Florida Shelf using a spatiotemporal ecosystem modeling framework
Karenia brevis red tides, brevetoxins in the food web, and impacts on natural resources: Decadal advancements
Blue-Green Algae aka Cyanobacteria and other HABs:

Resources for understanding blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) blooms
General resources: 

University of Florida harmful algae bloom website. Information of causes, effects, solutions and FAQs of HABs
Protecting Florida Together; website with information regarding red tide/blue green algae task force, habitat restoration etc.
				
Karenia brevis aka “red tide” cells swimming! These microscopic organisms belong to the dinoflagellate phylum of algae which have appendages that allow them to move around in the water column. The word dinoflagellate is derived from the Greek dînos meaning  “whirling” and Latin flagellum meaning “whip.” K. brevis’s unique motion helps researchers identify red tide cells from other phytoplankton and algae in a water sample.

In fisheries management, setting the acceptable biological catch (ABC) is vital to ensure sustainable harvest without overexploiting fish stocks. The ABC determines how much fish can be harvested each year, and is estimated using a stock assessment model that brings together multiple data sources to estimate fish abundance and productivity.  However, in the Gulf of […]

Red Tide, Fisheries Modeling and Citizen Science: Casting a Line to Anglers and Gulf of Mexico Stakeholders for Better Data!

Florida’s red snapper season opened June 1, and with it comes the release of a new tool to help anglers sustain the species’ population for years to come: a Spanish-language edition of Return ‘Em Right’s online education module. The Return ‘Em Right program launched in 2022 to provide Gulf of Mexico reef fish anglers with [&#8230;]

Florida’s red snapper season opened June 1, and with it comes the release of a new tool to help anglers sustain the species’ population for years to come: a <a href="https://returnemright.org/2024/05/06/registrese-de-equipo-para-pescadores-recreativos-privados/">Spanish-language edition</a> of Return ‘Em Right’s online education module. 
<figure id="attachment_45273" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-45273" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/news/files/2024/06/53053565935_a8828289c9_k.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-45273 size-medium lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="300" height="200" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/news/files/2024/06/53053565935_a8828289c9_k-300x200.jpg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-45273" class="wp-caption-text">The stomach protrudes from the mouth of a red snapper experiencing barotrauma. (Courtesy of Return &#8216;Em Right)</figcaption></figure>
The <a href="https://returnemright.org/">Return ‘Em Right</a> program launched in 2022 to provide Gulf of Mexico reef fish anglers with knowledge and tools to improve the survival rates of released fish suffering from barotrauma. Barotrauma refers to pressure-related injuries fish experience when reeled from depth. The expansion of gases in the body displaces organs and often leaves fish bloated and unable to return to depth on their own.
By completing a 15-minute, online review of best practices, Gulf of Mexico anglers who fish for federally managed reef fish, including snapper, grouper, amberjack and tilefish, are eligible to receive $100 of free release gear to use out on the water.
Return ‘Em Right’s educational module – now offered in both English and in Spanish – provides a thorough review of best release practices, including how to use venting tools as well as descending devices that help safely release fish at the depths they were caught. This improves survival, allowing fish to reproduce and keeps reef fisheries healthy.
Return ‘Em Right’s Spanish initiative was triggered by popular demand.
“Due to an influx of Spanish-speaking community members who participated in Return ‘Em Right in 2023, the team developed a Spanish-language version of the education module to better communicate best release practices to diverse audiences,&#8221; said Nick Haddad, the organization’s sustainable fisheries communications manager.
###
<a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/news/2024/06/07/return-em-right-ahora-ofrece-un-componente-educativo-en-espanol/">Para accesar a esta comunicación en español, utilice este enlace. </a>
About Return ‘Em Right
Return ‘Em Right is a program that aims to reduce catch and release mortality from fish suffering from barotrauma in the Gulf of Mexico. The program is led by <a href="https://www.flseagrant.org/">Florida Sea Grant</a>, University of Florida, <a href="https://www.gsmfc.org/">Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission</a>, NOAA and a coalition of anglers, industry groups, state agencies, universities, government and non-government organizations committed to maintaining healthy fish stocks and fishing access in the Gulf of Mexico. The project was selected by the Deepwater Horizon Open Ocean Trustee’s as part of a 2019 Restoration Plan.

Florida’s red snapper season opened June 1, and with it comes the release of a new tool to help anglers sustain the species’ population for years to come: a Spanish-language edition of Return ‘Em Right’s online education module. 
The stomach protrudes from the mouth of a red snapper experiencing barotrauma. (Courtesy of Return ‘Em Right)
The Return ‘Em Right program launched in 2022 to provide Gulf of Mexico reef fish anglers with knowledge and tools to improve the survival rates of released fish suffering from barotrauma. Barotrauma refers to pressure-related injuries fish experience when reeled from depth. The expansion of gases in the body displaces organs and often leaves fish bloated and unable to return to depth on their own.
By completing a 15-minute, online review of best practices, Gulf of Mexico anglers who fish for federally managed reef fish, including snapper, grouper, amberjack and tilefish, are eligible to receive $100 of free release gear to use out on the water.
Return ‘Em Right’s educational module – now offered in both English and in Spanish – provides a thorough review of best release practices, including how to use venting tools as well as descending devices that help safely release fish at the depths they were caught. This improves survival, allowing fish to reproduce and keeps reef fisheries healthy.
Return ‘Em Right’s Spanish initiative was triggered by popular demand.
“Due to an influx of Spanish-speaking community members who participated in Return ‘Em Right in 2023, the team developed a Spanish-language version of the education module to better communicate best release practices to diverse audiences,” said Nick Haddad, the organization’s sustainable fisheries communications manager.
###
Para accesar a esta comunicación en español, utilice este enlace. 
About Return ‘Em Right
Return ‘Em Right is a program that aims to reduce catch and release mortality from fish suffering from barotrauma in the Gulf of Mexico. The program is led by Florida Sea Grant, University of Florida, Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission, NOAA and a coalition of anglers, industry groups, state agencies, universities, government and non-government organizations committed to maintaining healthy fish stocks and fishing access in the Gulf of Mexico. The project was selected by the Deepwater Horizon Open Ocean Trustee’s as part of a 2019 Restoration Plan.

Florida’s red snapper season opened June 1, and with it comes the release of a new tool to help anglers sustain the species’ population for years to come: a Spanish-language edition of Return ‘Em Right’s online education module. The Return ‘Em Right program launched in 2022 to provide Gulf of Mexico reef fish anglers with […]

Return ‘Em Right releases Spanish education component

 Let’s Celebrate…Lakes  With more than 7,800 naturally occurring lakes, Florida is among  25 States nationwide which have submitted proclamations in support of Lakes Appreciation month, observed each summer in July. Through the University of Florida/IFAS LAKEWATCH©  program, Florida residents can participate in  monthly volunteer  activities which help to improve water quality by monitoring the health [&#8230;]

<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class=" wp-image-2535 alignright" src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/citrusco/files/2024/05/lake-blog-4-300x85.jpg" alt="" width="476" height="135" />  Let’s Celebrate…Lakes 
With more than 7,800 naturally occurring lakes, Florida is among  25 States nationwide which have submitted proclamations in support of Lakes Appreciation month, observed each summer in July. Through the University of Florida/IFAS LAKEWATCH©  program, Florida residents can participate in  monthly volunteer  activities which help to improve water quality by monitoring the health of Florida’s lakes, estuaries, rivers, and springs. To help preserve water quality it is also recommended that if you live close to a waterbody, your septic tank should be inspected every 3 to 5 years.
Other lake-appreciation activities recommended by the North American Lake Management Society include:
<ul>
<li>Organize a shoreline cleanup, go birding, or take pictures at a lake or pond.</li>
<li>Organize a lake field trip for students or community clubs.</li>
<li>Organize a hike or biking event with a focus on your local lake.</li>
<li>Contact LAKEWATCH©  or your local lake agency about volunteering to help monitor your local waterbody or watershed.</li>
<li>Enjoy your local lake, pond, or reservoir with fun summertime activities, such as fishing, boating, kayaking, or canoeing.</li>
<li>Volunteer with a watershed storm drain stenciling program.</li>
<li>Draw or paint a lake scene for your home or office.</li>
</ul>
To learn more, click on this <a href="https://lakewatch.ifas.ufl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">link</a> to visit the Lakewatch website.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-2539 aligncenter lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="298" height="300" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/citrusco/files/2024/05/lakewatch-298x300.png">
&nbsp;

Let’s Celebrate…Lakes 
With more than 7,800 naturally occurring lakes, Florida is among  25 States nationwide which have submitted proclamations in support of Lakes Appreciation month, observed each summer in July. Through the University of Florida/IFAS LAKEWATCH©  program, Florida residents can participate in  monthly volunteer  activities which help to improve water quality by monitoring the health of Florida’s lakes, estuaries, rivers, and springs. To help preserve water quality it is also recommended that if you live close to a waterbody, your septic tank should be inspected every 3 to 5 years.
Other lake-appreciation activities recommended by the North American Lake Management Society include:
Organize a shoreline cleanup, go birding, or take pictures at a lake or pond.
Organize a lake field trip for students or community clubs.
Organize a hike or biking event with a focus on your local lake.
Contact LAKEWATCH©  or your local lake agency about volunteering to help monitor your local waterbody or watershed.
Enjoy your local lake, pond, or reservoir with fun summertime activities, such as fishing, boating, kayaking, or canoeing.
Volunteer with a watershed storm drain stenciling program.
Draw or paint a lake scene for your home or office.
To learn more, click on this link to visit the Lakewatch website.

Let’s Celebrate…Lakes  With more than 7,800 naturally occurring lakes, Florida is among  25 States nationwide which have submitted proclamations in support of Lakes Appreciation month, observed each summer in July. Through the University of Florida/IFAS LAKEWATCH©  program, Florida residents can participate in  monthly volunteer  activities which help to improve water quality by monitoring the health […]

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Fishing: Searching for, attracting, locating, catching, taking or harvesting of living marine resources or any activity which can reasonably be expected to result in attracting, locating, catching, taking or harvesting of living marine resources. [<a href="http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_26950">AGRICOLA</a>]

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