Mote / FMRI Cooperative Red Tide Research Program. Final report July 1, 1999 through June 30, 2000.

Abstract

Potent neurotoxins produced by the Florida red tide cause massive fish kills, contaminate shellfish and cause severe irritation to the respiratory system of marine mammals. Public health also is affected through exposure to the air-borne toxins and ingestion of contaminated shellfish. A Federal initiative was undertaken through ECOHAB-Florida to determine the factors that control the initiation and development of harmful algal blooms (HABs) in the Gulf of Mexico, applying this information toward predictive models. This report presents results of a three-year cooperative study between Mote Marine Laboratory and Florida Marine Research Institute to supplement the ECOHAB-FL program, providing information specific to the Florida Gulf coast for prediction and mitigation of red tides. The project focuses on five major areas of research that were identified as areas of critical need by the State of Florida Harmful Algal Bloom Task-Force. Major accomplishments in each area are summarized. The areas are red tide (HAB) monitoring; ecology of HAB to understand factors affecting red tide function and growth; health affects of HABs, considering both marine life as well as human health effects; socioeconomic aspects considering control and mitigation to alleviate adverse effects; and public education and outreach.