Since the early 1800s, reports circulated of a phenomenon in coastal waters that discolored the water, caused fish and mammal deaths, poisoned shellfish and caused other human health problems. People described the condition as a "choking gas" because it caused severe respiratory irritation which lingered in the air for long periods of time. In the last 200 years, this phenomenon has been documented and called Red Tide.

WHAT CAUSES RED TIDES

Red Tides form when naturally occurring microalgae accumulate to lethal levels incoastal waters. These algae are composed of several species of marine phytoplankton, which are microscopic plant-likecells that produce potent chemical toxins. At various times of the year,these algae rapidly multiply, or bloom, in offshore waters of the Gulf of Mexico and drift onto our beaches. This is when the effects are dramatic.

More than 40 species of toxic microalgae live in the Gulf of Mexico. The most common is the dinoflagellate Karenia brevis, which is the Red Tide organism we find in Florida. It is transported by ocean currents and wind, which not only poses a serious threat to sea life, but also to shorebirds and terrestrial animals.

STRATEGIES AND GOALS

Red Tide forms in patches and often times dissipates just as fast as it accumulates, making predicting an event extremely difficult. Research on Red Tide has been ongoing for the past 50 years, making slow, but notable progress. Current research has shown that the problem will not simply go away and strategies to live with Red Tide are being developed by communities throughout the region. A key goal of scientists and citizens is to better understand the problem, so we can make informed decisions regarding the environment we depend on.

RED TIDE WORKSHOP - OVERVIEW

Join leading researchers and local experts to address the scientific, economic and human health effects of Red Tide. YOU will work to create an action plan to address these issues. Support the economic and environmental health of the Gulf of Mexico.

LOCAL EFFORTS IN COLLIER COUNTY

Collier County Pollution Control and Prevention Department (CCPCPD) coordinates a Red Tide monitoring program, which includes regular sample collection along the County's beaches that are shipped to the Florida Marine Institute for analysis.

Pollution Control Department maintains a Red Tide Hot Line at 239-732-2591 for reporting the latest conditions and which beaches are affected 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Red Tide Hot Line also offers information on what Red Tide is and its effects on Health.

COMMUNITY SOLUTIONS TO RED TIDE - THE RED TIDE ALLIANCE

The Red Tide Alliance (RTA) is a public/private partnership between four organizations committed to educating the public about the effects of the Florida red tide and other harmful algal blooms (HABs). Routine sampling and testing of Gulf waters, along with monitoring, research, and mitigating adverse effects provide the basis of their work. Information provided also includes answers to public health questions. RTA also is working to insure that an effective long-range plan is being developed that provides specific goals and accountability. RTA also insures that communications to the scientific, State and local government, legislative and business community about Red Tide and other HABs is clear, concise and effective. The Alliance consists of four entities:

• State of Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's Florida Marine Research Institute which is the State Agency responsible for the study of HAB
• Mote Marine Laboratory which is a not-for-profit marine research laboratory
• Solutions To Avoid Red Tide (START) which is a statewide not-for-profit citizen organization several local chapters dedicated to funding and promoting efforts for the prevention, control and mitigation of Red Tide and other HABs
• Florida Department of Health, which focuses on public health and safety by assisting with continuous beach condition reports