"This isn’t science fiction; we can do it."
Following one of the five worst red tide events in recorded history, legislative leaders from the Tampa Bay area heard from scientific experts Tuesday on the need to increase funding to monitor, study and try to reduce the impacts of the toxic algae bloom.
Nearly two dozen state lawmakers who represent the region from Sarasota County north to Pasco County gathered at Mote Marine Laboratory, where Mote President and CEO Michael Crosby showed them a chart on the history of state funding for red tide issues.
The chart showed how funding has fluctuated, increasing when there is a severe red tide event and the declining in the years between red tide blooms. Crosby said there needs to be consistent funding to tackle the problem.
Crosby said he believes Mote – in collaboration with other research agencies – can develop technologies that will lessen the severity of future red tide events.
Read more at the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.