Environment News

Castor Boosts Red Tide Research

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 24 July, 2007 : - - As a member of the powerful Rules Committee, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (D-FL) late yesterday pushed through committee a bipartisan amendment to significantly boost red tide research.  The amendment is part of a funding bill for the Departments of Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies, H.R. 3093.

Castor has been working with U.S. Rep. Connie Mack, (R-FL) on the Save Our Shores Act, which reauthorizes the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act of 1998. The amendment successfully offered by Castor makes funding available for algal bloom and hypoxia research to help boost red tide research on Florida's coast.

"Our beautiful coastal areas of the Gulf of Mexico continue to suffer from red tide outbreaks. Red tide brings fish-killing toxins to our waters. Red tide sea spray can irritate the eyes and lungs of all of us who live in the beautiful Tampa Bay area. This bill will fund research into the causes and effects of this serious problem that threatens our sea life, tourist industry and families," said Castor.

Red tide has a devastating effect on Florida's industries and families. For tourism, commercial and recreational fishing it can be a real economic killer - one estimate places the toll at $82 million a year. New studies show that red tide poses a serious health threat, causing respiratory problems among seniors and children. Outbreaks, once rare, are becoming more frequent, longer lasting and severe.

"It is time we pay attention to this devastating organism," Castor continued. "My amendment would capture $90 million over three years to research red tide and other harmful algae blooms." The funds would be awarded on a competitive, peer-reviewed basis, and managed by a task force of scientists that would report results back to Congress on an annual basis.

"Talented scientists at USF-St. Petersburg's marine biology center and Mote Marine Laboratory at Longboat Key should be first in line with proposals," Castor concluded. "The sooner we understand what causes red tide, the sooner we will have the solutions to fight it and ensure that it will not devastate our beautiful coastline or harm our families or economy."

Ocean Champions, an organization of longtime ocean advocates dedicated to finding solutions to various problems affecting our oceans, heralded Castor's success in moving this important funding to the floor of the House. "In her first year in Congress, Congresswoman Castor has delivered a solid success for the oceans that puts her high in the ranks of Congressional ocean champions," said David Wilmot, Ph.D.,

President and Co-Founder of Ocean Champions. "Her leadership, commitment, and this victory show that she is already a positive force both in Congress and for our oceans. I look forward to working with her in the future on additional efforts to ensure healthy oceans and coasts." Castor represents Florida's 11th Congressional District, which covers parts of Hillsborough, Pinellas and Manatee counties.

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Agustina Guerrero

Environment - Surfersvillage