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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!

John Humphreys had never seen snow in person until he ventured to Buffalo, New York in January — to scuba dive. Just a month later, the 15-year-old Tampa resident and 4-H member was navigating underwater around Antarctic icebergs. Now back from his nearly three-week journey, John plans to spend most of his summer analyzing iceberg-related [&#8230;]

John Humphreys had never seen snow in person until he ventured to Buffalo, New York in January — to scuba dive. Just a month later, the 15-year-old Tampa resident and 4-H member was navigating underwater around Antarctic icebergs. 
<figure id="attachment_45147" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-45147" style="width: 225px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/news/files/2024/06/20240301_163942-scaled.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-45147 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="John Humphreys" width="225" height="300" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/news/files/2024/06/20240301_163942-225x300.jpg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-45147" class="wp-caption-text">John stands upon a rocky Antarctic shore. (Photo Courtesy of John Humphreys)</figcaption></figure>
Now back from his nearly three-week journey, John plans to spend most of his summer analyzing iceberg-related data he and 15 adult citizen scientists collected while under his instruction. His ability to convey what he learned through a research paper and two presentations in August will ultimately determine whether he earns certification as a MasterNaut, the highest distinction within the SCUBAnauts marine science education program.
“The reason he went on this trip was to help answer some major questions and to let people know that kids can do it: that if you work hard enough toward something, you can achieve your goal, and he did,” said Nicole Humphreys, John’s mom.
John’s ascent to potential MasterNaut status began in 2020, when he joined 4-H. Fellow members of the organization introduced him to scuba diving, and he became a SCUBA-naut, eventually earning certifications in advanced open water, rescue and coral restoration diving before reaching the master scuba diver classification, the highest recreational certification level.
In October, he learned about a research trip to Antarctica scheduled to coincide with the 150th anniversary of the HMS Challenger’s 1874 crossing in the vicinity.
“Since the HMS Challenger made so many contributions to understanding our oceans, this trip was to commemorate the ship’s efforts and contributions and bring a new era of citizen science together,” John said.
The organizers of the trip approved John’s request to join them in November. He quickly set about acquiring a drysuit capable of insulating his body against freezing water and achieved drysuit certification. Subsequent training for Antarctica required 50 dives, 10 of which took place within water of 39 degrees or below.
Katie Cooper, John’s SCUBAnauts instructor, accompanied him on the trip. She described him as “an incredibly determined young man.”
“When he first expressed interest, I had reservations because it is a very specialized activity that requires extensive preparation, even beyond the training and experience he already had,” Cooper said. “But the more we talked about it, we developed a plan, and I knew he would put his all into getting ready.”
<figure id="attachment_45149" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-45149" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/news/files/2024/06/john-on-iceberg-pretty-bottom-photo-by-becky-schott-Liquid-Productions-_LP41254-scaled.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-45149 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="300" height="200" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/news/files/2024/06/john-on-iceberg-pretty-bottom-photo-by-becky-schott-Liquid-Productions-_LP41254-300x200.jpg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-45149" class="wp-caption-text">John navigates around an iceberg. (Photo by Becky Schott of Liquid Productions)</figcaption></figure>
Their ship, the 300-foot Ortelius, left Ushuaia, Argentina, on Feb. 21. Diving into 32-degree waters, John and his team classified the icebergs they encountered, documenting their shape, color and size. While aboard, he participated in a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNfcJKdatho" target="_blank" rel="noopener">livestreamed informational video</a> for elementary school students around the world. John and Amy Moran, a marine biologist at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, showed viewers their extensive gear and described the wildlife they had observed on the trip: whales, leopard seals, sea spiders, sea anemones, plankton, limpets, sea stars and three species of penguins.
“You’re the youngest person I know of who has ever dived in the Antarctic,” Moran told John during the livestream.
A lofty accomplishment, sure, but it pales in comparison to John’s ultimate aspiration of becoming a mission commander astronaut specializing in Mars exploration.
“My hope is to help others reach for their goals and dream big because even something that sounds as impossible as diving in Antarctica at 15 is not if you have the drive to do it,” John said. “You just have to know it’s possible.”
###
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 4-H 
4-H is the youth development program of the land-grant university system and Cooperative Extension System. The program provides hands-on educational programs and experiences for youth ages 5 to 18 with the objective of developing youth as individuals, and as responsible and productive citizens. In Florida, 4-H is administered by University of Florida/IFAS Extension and Florida A&amp;M University.

John Humphreys had never seen snow in person until he ventured to Buffalo, New York in January — to scuba dive. Just a month later, the 15-year-old Tampa resident and 4-H member was navigating underwater around Antarctic icebergs. 
John stands upon a rocky Antarctic shore. (Photo Courtesy of John Humphreys)
Now back from his nearly three-week journey, John plans to spend most of his summer analyzing iceberg-related data he and 15 adult citizen scientists collected while under his instruction. His ability to convey what he learned through a research paper and two presentations in August will ultimately determine whether he earns certification as a MasterNaut, the highest distinction within the SCUBAnauts marine science education program.
“The reason he went on this trip was to help answer some major questions and to let people know that kids can do it: that if you work hard enough toward something, you can achieve your goal, and he did,” said Nicole Humphreys, John’s mom.
John’s ascent to potential MasterNaut status began in 2020, when he joined 4-H. Fellow members of the organization introduced him to scuba diving, and he became a SCUBA-naut, eventually earning certifications in advanced open water, rescue and coral restoration diving before reaching the master scuba diver classification, the highest recreational certification level.
In October, he learned about a research trip to Antarctica scheduled to coincide with the 150th anniversary of the HMS Challenger’s 1874 crossing in the vicinity.
“Since the HMS Challenger made so many contributions to understanding our oceans, this trip was to commemorate the ship’s efforts and contributions and bring a new era of citizen science together,” John said.
The organizers of the trip approved John’s request to join them in November. He quickly set about acquiring a drysuit capable of insulating his body against freezing water and achieved drysuit certification. Subsequent training for Antarctica required 50 dives, 10 of which took place within water of 39 degrees or below.
Katie Cooper, John’s SCUBAnauts instructor, accompanied him on the trip. She described him as “an incredibly determined young man.”
“When he first expressed interest, I had reservations because it is a very specialized activity that requires extensive preparation, even beyond the training and experience he already had,” Cooper said. “But the more we talked about it, we developed a plan, and I knew he would put his all into getting ready.”
John navigates around an iceberg. (Photo by Becky Schott of Liquid Productions)
Their ship, the 300-foot Ortelius, left Ushuaia, Argentina, on Feb. 21. Diving into 32-degree waters, John and his team classified the icebergs they encountered, documenting their shape, color and size. While aboard, he participated in a livestreamed informational video for elementary school students around the world. John and Amy Moran, a marine biologist at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, showed viewers their extensive gear and described the wildlife they had observed on the trip: whales, leopard seals, sea spiders, sea anemones, plankton, limpets, sea stars and three species of penguins.
“You’re the youngest person I know of who has ever dived in the Antarctic,” Moran told John during the livestream.
A lofty accomplishment, sure, but it pales in comparison to John’s ultimate aspiration of becoming a mission commander astronaut specializing in Mars exploration.
“My hope is to help others reach for their goals and dream big because even something that sounds as impossible as diving in Antarctica at 15 is not if you have the drive to do it,” John said. “You just have to know it’s possible.”
###
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 4-H
4-H is the youth development program of the land-grant university system and Cooperative Extension System. The program provides hands-on educational programs and experiences for youth ages 5 to 18 with the objective of developing youth as individuals, and as responsible and productive citizens. In Florida, 4-H is administered by University of Florida/IFAS Extension and Florida A&M University.

John Humphreys had never seen snow in person until he ventured to Buffalo, New York in January — to scuba dive. Just a month later, the 15-year-old Tampa resident and 4-H member was navigating underwater around Antarctic icebergs. Now back from his nearly three-week journey, John plans to spend most of his summer analyzing iceberg-related […]

Florida teen spearheads Antarctic scuba research

When it&#8217;s hot and dry out it is important to think of water conservation. In Florida, more than 50% of our potable water is used for lawns and landscapes in residential housing. The goal is to keep our plants alive, while conserving water. Here are a few adjustments you can make to your lawn and [&#8230;]

When it&#8217;s hot and dry out it is important to think of water conservation. In Florida, more than 50% of our potable water is used for lawns and landscapes in residential housing. The goal is to keep our plants alive, while conserving water. Here are a few adjustments you can make to your lawn and landscape help your plants survive the drought and conserve water:
<figure id="attachment_6001" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-6001" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/hillsboroughco/files/2024/05/IMG_7294-scaled.jpeg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-6001 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="300" height="225" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/hillsboroughco/files/2024/05/IMG_7294-300x225.jpeg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-6001" class="wp-caption-text">Topdress your lawn with compost to increase soil moisture holding capacity and reduce watering needs. Photo: Tia Silvasy, UF/IFAS</figcaption></figure>
<h3>Ten Tips to Conserve Water</h3>
1. Observe your plants carefully and water when you observe wilt. Note: it is natural for plants to wilt in the middle of the day in direct sun, so check them for water stress in the morning or evening. 
2. Increase mowing height of your lawn to encourage a deeper root system to withstand drought.
3. Topdress your lawn and landscape beds with compost to increase soil moisture holding capacity.
4. Apply 2-3&#8243; of mulch to landscape beds to reduce evaporation of water from landscape beds. Learn more about Florida-Friendly mulches <a href="https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/EP626" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.
5. Remove weeds from garden beds to reduce competition for water.
<figure id="attachment_5999" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-5999" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/hillsboroughco/files/2024/05/IMG_7267-scaled.jpeg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-5999 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="300" height="225" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/hillsboroughco/files/2024/05/IMG_7267-300x225.jpeg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-5999" class="wp-caption-text">Place a saucer under potted plants to better hydrate the plants and save water. Photo: Tia Silvasy, UF/IFAS</figcaption></figure>
6. Place saucers under potted plants.
7. Install a rain barrel or a rain garden to capture rain water.
8. Water early in the morning, from 4-8am when its coolest and evaporation rates are low. Be sure to follow local watering restrictions per your <a href="https://www.tampabaywater.org/tampa-bay-watering-restrictions" target="_blank" rel="noopener">water management district</a>.
9. Check your irrigation systems to make sure they are working properly. Clean filters and fix any breaks or leaks. 
10. Remove plants that are not well suited for your landscape and replace with drought tolerant plants such as <a href="https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/ornamentals/muhly-grass.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">muhly grass</a>, <a href="https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/media/sfylifasufledu/baker/docs/pdf/horticulture/demonstration-gardens/Beach-Sunflower.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">beach dune sunflower</a>, <a href="https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/trees-and-shrubs/palms-and-cycads/saw-palmetto.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">saw palmetto</a> and <a href="https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/ornamentals/firebush.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">firebush</a>. Now is a good time to make sure you have the <a href="https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/about-ffl/9-principles/principle-1-right-plant-/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Right Plant, Right Place</a>.
It&#8217;s important to conserve the water used for lawns and landscapes to save potable water for more important uses, such as drinking water. As Florida&#8217;s population continues to grow by approximately 1,000 people per day we will face a <a href="https://1000fof.org/2070project/#:~:text=Water%202070%20reveals%20that%20development,more%20than%20double%20by%202070." target="_blank" rel="noopener">water shortage</a> in future years. Water conservation is the best option and is cheaper than the cost of alternative water supply such as <a href="https://www.sfwmd.gov/our-work/alternative-water-supply/desalination" target="_blank" rel="noopener">desalinization</a>.
<figure id="attachment_5943" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-5943" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/hillsboroughco/files/2024/05/beach_sunflowers_foliage_UF.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-5943 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="300" height="225" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/hillsboroughco/files/2024/05/beach_sunflowers_foliage_UF-300x225.jpg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-5943" class="wp-caption-text">Beach dune sunflower is a Florida native drought tolerant plant. Photo: UF/IFAS</figcaption></figure>
Learn more:
<a href="https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/archive/hot_topics/lawn_and_garden/drought.shtml" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Drought in Florida</a>
<a href="https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/lawns/lawn-care/lawn-management-during-drought.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lawn Management During Drought</a>
<a href="https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/design/landscaping-for-specific-sites/super-drought-tolerant-plants.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Drought Tolerant Plants</a>
&nbsp;
Follow Us!
We have several ways to connect. Join our UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HillsboroughExtensionService">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDJtMNdNw7xDLqY3x8-7K0g">YouTube</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ufifas_hillsboroughcounty/">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/o/ufifas-hillsborough-extension-8606873308">Eventbrite</a>, <a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/hillsboroughco/author/tsilvasy/">Blogs</a>, and <a href="https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/hillsborough/lawngarden/master-gardener-program/">Website</a>
If you have any questions, please contact the UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County at 813-744-5519 or email <a href="mailto:hillsmg@mail.ufl.edu">hillsmg@mail.ufl.edu</a>.
The University of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Institution.

When it’s hot and dry out it is important to think of water conservation. In Florida, more than 50% of our potable water is used for lawns and landscapes in residential housing. The goal is to keep our plants alive, while conserving water. Here are a few adjustments you can make to your lawn and landscape help your plants survive the drought and conserve water:

Topdress your lawn with compost to increase soil moisture holding capacity and reduce watering needs. Photo: Tia Silvasy, UF/IFAS
Ten Tips to Conserve Water

1. Observe your plants carefully and water when you observe wilt. Note: it is natural for plants to wilt in the middle of the day in direct sun, so check them for water stress in the morning or evening. 

2. Increase mowing height of your lawn to encourage a deeper root system to withstand drought.

3. Topdress your lawn and landscape beds with compost to increase soil moisture holding capacity.

4. Apply 2-3″ of mulch to landscape beds to reduce evaporation of water from landscape beds. Learn more about Florida-Friendly mulches here.

5. Remove weeds from garden beds to reduce competition for water.

Place a saucer under potted plants to better hydrate the plants and save water. Photo: Tia Silvasy, UF/IFAS
6. Place saucers under potted plants.

7. Install a rain barrel or a rain garden to capture rain water.

8. Water early in the morning, from 4-8am when its coolest and evaporation rates are low. Be sure to follow local watering restrictions per your water management district.

9. Check your irrigation systems to make sure they are working properly. Clean filters and fix any breaks or leaks. 

10. Remove plants that are not well suited for your landscape and replace with drought tolerant plants such as muhly grass, beach dune sunflower, saw palmetto and firebush. Now is a good time to make sure you have the Right Plant, Right Place.

It’s important to conserve the water used for lawns and landscapes to save potable water for more important uses, such as drinking water. As Florida’s population continues to grow by approximately 1,000 people per day we will face a water shortage in future years. Water conservation is the best option and is cheaper than the cost of alternative water supply such as desalinization.

Beach dune sunflower is a Florida native drought tolerant plant. Photo: UF/IFAS
Learn more:

Drought in Florida

Lawn Management During Drought

Drought Tolerant Plants

 

Follow Us!

We have several ways to connect. Join our UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County
Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Eventbrite, Blogs, and Website

If you have any questions, please contact the UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County at 813-744-5519 or email hillsmg@mail.ufl.edu.

The University of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Institution.

When it’s hot and dry out it is important to think of water conservation. In Florida, more than 50% of our potable water is used for lawns and landscapes in residential housing. The goal is to keep our plants alive, while conserving water. Here are a few adjustments you can make to your lawn and […]

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