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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 on the West Coast of Florida and wish to help researchers know more about red tide?</h3>
<h3><a href="https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1AOsyJqHCThEPb0">Then please consider taking this brief survey anytime you head out on the water and experience red tide.</a></h3>
The survey may be accessed via the hyperlink above or by copy and pasting this link into your browser: <a href="https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1AOsyJqHCThEPb0">https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1AOsyJqHCThEPb0 </a>
Information researchers are interested in 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!
<figure id="attachment_4509" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-4509" style="width: 630px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-4509 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="630" height="294" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/collierco/files/2024/06/Red-Tide-Survey-Screen-Grab.jpg"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-4509" class="wp-caption-text">An example of a question asked on the red tide survey to better understand where fish are dying, what species and how your trip may have been affected. Click the links above to access the survey to help fisheries science!</figcaption></figure>
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 on the West Coast of Florida and wish to help researchers know more about red tide?
Then please consider taking this brief survey anytime you head out on the water and experience red tide.
The survey may be accessed via the hyperlink above or by copy and pasting this link into your browser: https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1AOsyJqHCThEPb0 
Information researchers are interested in 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!
An example of a question asked on the red tide survey to better understand where fish are dying, what species and how your trip may have been affected. Click the links above to access the survey to help fisheries science!
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!

On July 19, 2023 the Southwest Small Farmer Network held the summer meeting at FruitScapes, LLC on Pine Island in Lee County, FL. The focus of the meeting was to highlight the resiliency of producers on Pine Island which was devastated by Hurricane Ian, connect producers with each other, and share UF/IFAS Extension and Florida [&#8230;]

On July 19, 2023 the Southwest Small Farmer Network held the summer meeting at <a href="https://fruitscapesllc.com/">FruitScapes, LLC</a> on Pine Island in Lee County, FL. The focus of the meeting was to highlight the resiliency of producers on Pine Island which was devastated by Hurricane Ian, connect producers with each other, and share UF/IFAS Extension and <a href="https://flsart.org/">Florida State Agricultural Response Team</a> resources and recovery efforts.
<img decoding="async" class="aligncenter lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="Fruitscapes LLC. – Offering the Largest Mango selection in SW. Florida" data-src="https://fruitscapesllc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/fruitscapes-logo-new2.png">
The Southwest Small Farmers Network is facilitated by the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension agents from Lee, Hillsborough, Sarasota, Polk, Manatee and Collier counties. The network is made up of small farmers throughout the SWFL region that gather to learn, share knowledge, and interact with each other to create a community of small farmers.
Alongside disaster preparedness, the 43 meeting participants learned about updates from stakeholder agencies that provide support and funding in the agricultural industry such as <a href="https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/">USDA NRCS</a>, <a href="https://www.fdacs.gov/Agriculture-Industry/Fruit-and-Vegetables/Food-Safety-Modernization-Act-Produce-Safety-Rule/On-Farm-Readiness-Review">FDACS Farm Food Safety</a>, <a href="https://harrychapinfoodbank.org/">Harry Chapin Food Bank of SWFL</a>, <a href="https://www.feedingflorida.org/">Feeding Florida</a>, <a href="https://southwestflorida.bluezonesproject.com/">Blue Zones Project SWFL</a>, the <a href="https://www.swfrpc.org/">SWFL Regional Planning Council</a> among other local organizations.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-3875 aligncenter lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="300" height="225" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/collierco/files/2023/09/SWFLSFN1-300x225.jpg">
Owner and operator of FruitScapes, Steve Cucura and Farm Manager Elijah took two groups for a farmer-led tour, offered a mango tasting, and grafting demonstration. Their tours demonstrated the incredible resiliency of farmers in Florida as well as the strength of tropical fruit trees to bounce back from weather related impacts.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-3883 aligncenter lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="292" height="219" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/collierco/files/2023/09/SWFLSFN5-300x225.jpg">
The tour was followed by a round-robin where attendees learned about each other’s farm businesses, interests, or agencies. The introductions helped with networking, knowledge sharing, and helped extension agents identify current trends in small farms.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-3885 aligncenter lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="300" height="225" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/collierco/files/2023/09/SWFLSFN6-300x225.jpg">
Survey results showed that 96% of participants gained knowledge on tropical fruit production such as methods for growing fruit trees, post management of hurricane impacted trees, pruning practices, and fertilization practices. Many highlighted the ability to networked with other small farmers and identified new market opportunities. Participants also learned skills such as grafting and nursery management and nearly 90% said they would reach out to a new contact they made at the meeting.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-3887 size-medium lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="Group of small producers networking " width="300" height="225" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/collierco/files/2023/09/SWFLSFN7-300x225.jpg">
<h4 style="text-align: center">“I have not attended past regional meeting because I could not make time for them.  I am so glad my schedule opened up to attend.  I look forward to the exchange of ideas in the next meeting.” – Dave, Last Penny Farm Manatee County, FL</h4>
Fruitscapes, LLC is a tropical fruit plant nursery located in Bokeelia, Pine Island and specializes in tropical fruit propagation. We thank them for providing the location for this meeting to support the local small farmers and demonstrate some of their practices. And a special thanks to network member, Nicole Cruz of <a href="https://www.circlecfarmfl.com/">Circle C Farms</a> for giving everyone a carton USDA Organic pasture raised eggs to take home with them!
The <a href="https://www.swflfresh.com/">SWFL Fresh: Choose Local, Choose Fresh </a>brand is a farmer driven initiative that began after Hurricane Irma’s impacts to the SWFL agricultural sector in 2017. It is supported by the SWFL Regional Planning Council and UF/IFAS Extension. The website and brand was developed to encourage Southwest Florida residents and visitors to choose food and beverages sourced from Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry, Lee and Sarasota counties.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-3879 aligncenter lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="300" height="225" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/collierco/files/2023/09/SWFLSFN3-300x225.jpg">
If you are interested in attending the next SWFLSFN meeting, reach out to your <a href="https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/find-your-local-office/">local extension agent</a> to be added to our mailing list.
&nbsp;

On July 19, 2023 the Southwest Small Farmer Network held the summer meeting at FruitScapes, LLC on Pine Island in Lee County, FL. The focus of the meeting was to highlight the resiliency of producers on Pine Island which was devastated by Hurricane Ian, connect producers with each other, and share UF/IFAS Extension and Florida State Agricultural Response Team resources and recovery efforts.

The Southwest Small Farmers Network is facilitated by the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension agents from Lee, Hillsborough, Sarasota, Polk, Manatee and Collier counties. The network is made up of small farmers throughout the SWFL region that gather to learn, share knowledge, and interact with each other to create a community of small farmers.
Alongside disaster preparedness, the 43 meeting participants learned about updates from stakeholder agencies that provide support and funding in the agricultural industry such as USDA NRCS, FDACS Farm Food Safety, Harry Chapin Food Bank of SWFL, Feeding Florida, Blue Zones Project SWFL, the SWFL Regional Planning Council among other local organizations.

Owner and operator of FruitScapes, Steve Cucura and Farm Manager Elijah took two groups for a farmer-led tour, offered a mango tasting, and grafting demonstration. Their tours demonstrated the incredible resiliency of farmers in Florida as well as the strength of tropical fruit trees to bounce back from weather related impacts.

The tour was followed by a round-robin where attendees learned about each other’s farm businesses, interests, or agencies. The introductions helped with networking, knowledge sharing, and helped extension agents identify current trends in small farms.

Survey results showed that 96% of participants gained knowledge on tropical fruit production such as methods for growing fruit trees, post management of hurricane impacted trees, pruning practices, and fertilization practices. Many highlighted the ability to networked with other small farmers and identified new market opportunities. Participants also learned skills such as grafting and nursery management and nearly 90% said they would reach out to a new contact they made at the meeting.

“I have not attended past regional meeting because I could not make time for them.  I am so glad my schedule opened up to attend.  I look forward to the exchange of ideas in the next meeting.” – Dave, Last Penny Farm Manatee County, FL
Fruitscapes, LLC is a tropical fruit plant nursery located in Bokeelia, Pine Island and specializes in tropical fruit propagation. We thank them for providing the location for this meeting to support the local small farmers and demonstrate some of their practices. And a special thanks to network member, Nicole Cruz of Circle C Farms for giving everyone a carton USDA Organic pasture raised eggs to take home with them!
The SWFL Fresh: Choose Local, Choose Fresh brand is a farmer driven initiative that began after Hurricane Irma’s impacts to the SWFL agricultural sector in 2017. It is supported by the SWFL Regional Planning Council and UF/IFAS Extension. The website and brand was developed to encourage Southwest Florida residents and visitors to choose food and beverages sourced from Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry, Lee and Sarasota counties.

If you are interested in attending the next SWFLSFN meeting, reach out to your local extension agent to be added to our mailing list.

On July 19, 2023 the Southwest Small Farmer Network held the summer meeting at FruitScapes, LLC on Pine Island in Lee County, FL. The focus of the meeting was to highlight the resiliency of producers on Pine Island which was devastated by Hurricane Ian, connect producers with each other, and share UF/IFAS Extension and Florida […]

Recap: Summer SWFL Small Farmer Network Meeting on Pine Island

Citizen scientists help preserve seagrasses in the Panhandle and Southwest Florida through a program called Eyes on Seagrass, which now has a dedicated webpage where potential volunteers can learn more. The efforts of the people who give their time are so successful, UF/IFAS Extension    and Florida Sea Grant are expanding the program. It began in [&#8230;]

Citizen scientists help preserve seagrasses in the Panhandle and Southwest Florida through a program called <a href="https://www.flseagrant.org/citizenscience/eyes-on-seagrass/">Eyes on Seagrass, which now has a dedicated webpage</a> where potential volunteers can learn more.
The efforts of the people who give their time are so successful, UF/IFAS Extension <a href="https://www.flseagrant.org/">   and Florida Sea Grant</a> are expanding the program. It began in Escambia County in 2017 and spread to Santa Rosa County. Citizen scientists started collecting samples in Charlotte County in 2019. They’re now in Sarasota County and will likely be in Lee County in 2024.
“Without the volunteer help, state agencies would not be able to amass all this data on their own,” said <a href="https://www.flseagrant.org/fsg-directory/katherine-rose/">Kate Rose, Florida Sea Grant agent for UF/IFAS Extension Charlotte County</a>. “The program was one of the first to start collecting data on seaweed, which first appeared consistently in Charlotte Harbor in 2012 and has more recently been connected to seagrass loss.”
<figure id="attachment_39565" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-39565" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-39565 size-medium lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="300" height="225" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/news/files/2023/09/Eyes-on-Seagrass1_090523-300x225.jpg"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-39565" class="wp-caption-text">Eyes on Seagrass volunteers conduct surveys in  in 2021. Courtesy, Heal Our Harbor.</figcaption></figure>
Numbers tell the story of general public interest in participating. Charlotte County’s program started with 28 volunteers and now has 102. Escambia County began with three volunteers and now has 19.
Volunteers are eager to collect data, and the information they collect is invaluable. A bonus? The data are valid. Their collection methods were developed in close collaboration with UF/IFAS scientists to ensure the data can be utilized in assessments by natural resource managers.
In addition to helping collect data on seagrass, Rose touts a number that reflects engagement from those volunteers &#8212; 82% took additional action. As examples, they educated others about the importance of seagrass, advocated to conserve the habitat and made efforts to reduce seagrass scars via their boat propellers.
<figure id="attachment_39567" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-39567" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-39567 size-medium lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="300" height="225" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/news/files/2023/09/Eyes-on-Seagrass3_090523-300x225.jpg"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-39567" class="wp-caption-text">Volunteers with ties to the Lemon Bay Conservancy, show an algae sample they collected as part of Eyes on Seagrass protocol. Courtesy, Lemon Bay Conservancy.</figcaption></figure>
“My wife and I have come to appreciate what a magnificent resource the Charlotte Harbor Estuary is,” said Rick Sluzewski, a volunteer in Charlotte County. “Having an opportunity to actively participate in the ‘Eyes on Seagrass’ survey on our harbor has enriched my appreciation for this great resource and driven home the message that all who live in our area need to be active stewards assisting its professional guardians any way we can.”
When he started organizing Eyes on Seagrass in the Panhandle, Rick O’Connor found citizen scientists who would eagerly put a mask on and go out into the water.
“They’ve learned about the health of Pensacola Bay. They’ve watched it with protective eyes. I have nine citizens science projects, and many from Eyes on Seagrass volunteer on other projects,” said <a href="https://www.flseagrant.org/fsg-directory/rick-oconnor/">O’Connor, Florida Sea Grant agent for UF/IFAS Extension Escambia County</a>.
Seagrasses act as a food source and a habitat for many commercially and recreationally important fish species. They also enhance water clarity, stabilize shorelines and sequester carbon and nitrogen. Seagrasses die with higher nutrient levels in water bodies. <a href="https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/charlotte/sea-grant/eyes-on-seagrass/">Charlotte Harbor saw a 23% loss in seagrass</a> between 2018 and 2021.
Nutrients are a key factor in ensuring seagrasses remain or, in some cases, regain their health.
“We aren’t just looking for and documenting seagrass loss, in some parts of the state where the water is getting cleaner, seagrass are expanding,” said <a href="https://soils.ifas.ufl.edu/people/faculty/laura-reynolds/">Laura Reynolds, a Florida Sea Grant-affiliated researcher and UF/IFAS assistant professor of soil, water, and ecosystem sciences</a>. Reynolds analyzes the data sent to her by the volunteers.
The fewer nutrients go into any body of water, the healthier the seagrass is likely to be, the UF/IFAS experts say.
Eyes on Seagrass programs in Charlotte and Sarasota run in the spring and summer, but you can register any time. In Escambia County, volunteers collect samples in September, too.
Rose foresees great success in helping preserve seagrass though the program.
“Our citizen scientists have their eyes on seagrass,” Rose said. “With their help, we can do our best to make sure seagrasses are as healthy as possible. Going forward, I think that excitement will generate a really big data set. We’re only going to gain more credibility.”
Click <a href="https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/charlotte/sea-grant/eyes-on-seagrass/">here to learn more about Eyes on Seagrass</a>.
To register for the Southwest Florida Eyes on Seagrass program, contact Rose at <a href="mailto:kate.rose0210@ufl.edu">kate.rose0210@ufl.edu</a>. For the Panhandle program, contact O’Connor at <a href="mailto:roc1@ufl.edu">roc1@ufl.edu</a>.
###
ABOUT UF/IFAS 
The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents. 
<a href="http://www.ifas.ufl.edu">ifas.ufl.edu</a>  |  <a href="https://twitter.com/UF_IFAS">@UF_IFAS</a>
 
ABOUT FLORIDA SEA GRANT
Hosted at the University of Florida, Florida Sea Grant is a partnership with the State University System of Florida, the State of Florida, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration that supports research, education and outreach to conserve coastal resources and enhance economic opportunities throughout the state.
<a href="https://www.flseagrant.org/">flseagrant.org</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/floridaseagrant">@FloridaSeaGrant</a>

Citizen scientists help preserve seagrasses in the Panhandle and Southwest Florida through a program called Eyes on Seagrass, which now has a dedicated webpage where potential volunteers can learn more.
The efforts of the people who give their time are so successful, UF/IFAS Extension    and Florida Sea Grant are expanding the program. It began in Escambia County in 2017 and spread to Santa Rosa County. Citizen scientists started collecting samples in Charlotte County in 2019. They’re now in Sarasota County and will likely be in Lee County in 2024.
“Without the volunteer help, state agencies would not be able to amass all this data on their own,” said Kate Rose, Florida Sea Grant agent for UF/IFAS Extension Charlotte County. “The program was one of the first to start collecting data on seaweed, which first appeared consistently in Charlotte Harbor in 2012 and has more recently been connected to seagrass loss.”
Eyes on Seagrass volunteers conduct surveys in  in 2021. Courtesy, Heal Our Harbor.
Numbers tell the story of general public interest in participating. Charlotte County’s program started with 28 volunteers and now has 102. Escambia County began with three volunteers and now has 19.
Volunteers are eager to collect data, and the information they collect is invaluable. A bonus? The data are valid. Their collection methods were developed in close collaboration with UF/IFAS scientists to ensure the data can be utilized in assessments by natural resource managers.
In addition to helping collect data on seagrass, Rose touts a number that reflects engagement from those volunteers — 82% took additional action. As examples, they educated others about the importance of seagrass, advocated to conserve the habitat and made efforts to reduce seagrass scars via their boat propellers.
Volunteers with ties to the Lemon Bay Conservancy, show an algae sample they collected as part of Eyes on Seagrass protocol. Courtesy, Lemon Bay Conservancy.
“My wife and I have come to appreciate what a magnificent resource the Charlotte Harbor Estuary is,” said Rick Sluzewski, a volunteer in Charlotte County. “Having an opportunity to actively participate in the ‘Eyes on Seagrass’ survey on our harbor has enriched my appreciation for this great resource and driven home the message that all who live in our area need to be active stewards assisting its professional guardians any way we can.”
When he started organizing Eyes on Seagrass in the Panhandle, Rick O’Connor found citizen scientists who would eagerly put a mask on and go out into the water.
“They’ve learned about the health of Pensacola Bay. They’ve watched it with protective eyes. I have nine citizens science projects, and many from Eyes on Seagrass volunteer on other projects,” said O’Connor, Florida Sea Grant agent for UF/IFAS Extension Escambia County.
Seagrasses act as a food source and a habitat for many commercially and recreationally important fish species. They also enhance water clarity, stabilize shorelines and sequester carbon and nitrogen. Seagrasses die with higher nutrient levels in water bodies. Charlotte Harbor saw a 23% loss in seagrass between 2018 and 2021.
Nutrients are a key factor in ensuring seagrasses remain or, in some cases, regain their health.
“We aren’t just looking for and documenting seagrass loss, in some parts of the state where the water is getting cleaner, seagrass are expanding,” said Laura Reynolds, a Florida Sea Grant-affiliated researcher and UF/IFAS assistant professor of soil, water, and ecosystem sciences. Reynolds analyzes the data sent to her by the volunteers.
The fewer nutrients go into any body of water, the healthier the seagrass is likely to be, the UF/IFAS experts say.
Eyes on Seagrass programs in Charlotte and Sarasota run in the spring and summer, but you can register any time. In Escambia County, volunteers collect samples in September, too.
Rose foresees great success in helping preserve seagrass though the program.
“Our citizen scientists have their eyes on seagrass,” Rose said. “With their help, we can do our best to make sure seagrasses are as healthy as possible. Going forward, I think that excitement will generate a really big data set. We’re only going to gain more credibility.”
Click here to learn more about Eyes on Seagrass.
To register for the Southwest Florida Eyes on Seagrass program, contact Rose at kate.rose0210@ufl.edu. For the Panhandle program, contact O’Connor at roc1@ufl.edu.
###
ABOUT UF/IFAS
The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents. 
ifas.ufl.edu  |  @UF_IFAS
 
ABOUT FLORIDA SEA GRANT
Hosted at the University of Florida, Florida Sea Grant is a partnership with the State University System of Florida, the State of Florida, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration that supports research, education and outreach to conserve coastal resources and enhance economic opportunities throughout the state.
flseagrant.org | @FloridaSeaGrant

Citizen scientists help preserve seagrasses in the Panhandle and Southwest Florida through a program called Eyes on Seagrass, which now has a dedicated webpage where potential volunteers can learn more. The efforts of the people who give their time are so successful, UF/IFAS Extension    and Florida Sea Grant are expanding the program. It began in […]

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