As toxic algae continues to flood the sunshine state’s coasts, the red tide is also becoming a grave concern that lawmakers are looking to find a solution to.
In response, the chairmen of Florida’s Congressional delegation have just joined forces to co-sponsor a $100 million proposal that will fight the red tide.The Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Amendments Act provides $22 million in funding each fiscal year from 2019 to 2023 to reduce and assess economic and health effects that the algae could create.
Representative Vern Buchanan spoke on the issue, saying that “Our economy, environment and marine life is under siege by this crisis and we need all hands on deck to help Florida deal with the problem.”
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This came after he visited the Mote Marine Laboratory last week to discuss the need for more federal funding to tackle this issue.
In response to the visit, Dr. Michael Crosby, Mote Marine Laboratory President and CEO, commented that “As a challenging Florida red tide bloom persists along the Gulf Coast, it is appropriate that Congressman Vern Buchanan chose to visit Mote Marine Laboratory’s City Island research campus today to discuss the latest developments in our innovative, red tide-focused science, technology and public outreach programs.”
Representative Alcee Hastings also shared his thoughts, explaining that “We should be doing all we can to preserve the natural beauty of our state’s beaches and waterways. Coasts, lakes and rivers are key contributors to Florida’s thriving economy and serve as a vital habitat for plants and wildlife.”