Aerial image of a bloom of Florida red tide in August 2018, by Dr. Vincent Lovko, Mote Staff Scientist
So the Florida House Representative and Majority Whip Michael Grant (District 75) sponsored House Bill 1135. Seems this bill is setting up the Florida Red Tide Mitigation plus Technology Development Initiative.
Cause this Initiative will focus on the development of innovative technologies. Also approaches critically needed for control and mitigation. In addition mitigation of red tide impacts that can cause devastation to marine life and harm local economies. A companion Senate Bill expecting to be introduced soon.
This independent effort is among public and private non-profit research entities. It also builds upon the already highly productive cooperative red tide research program.
So this is a research program between Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and Mote. Also will use applied science to develop and test innovate approaches and technologies. All to decide the most effective and ecologically sound methods. Methods for mitigating adverse impacts from red tide.
The Initiative also will have Mote collaborating with FWC. Also Florida Department of Environmental Protection, universities and other institutions. More importantly, this is to ensure the best help Mote. The best and brightest scientists from Florida and around the world. All are brought together. Together developing new mitigation technologies.
This Initiative will be allocated $3,000,000 per year. That’s from new appropriations beginning in 2019-2020 fiscal year. Plus and most noteworthy with a continuous annual appropriation. Further, this annual appropriation remains at this level through the 2024-2025 fiscal year.
In conclusion, Mote hosted the Bay Area Legislative Delegation discussing red tide. Furthermore, the delegation are state legislators from Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk and Sarasota counties. Most importantly, all unanimously passed a motion. This motion is making the Florida Red Tide Mitigation & Technology Development Initiative.
Source: Mote Marine Aquarium
