Miami – The Florida Department of Health in Monroe County issued a warning to residents and visitors of the Keys, after detecting the presence of Red Marea near Marvin Key and Marquesas Keys.
Water tests performed last week showed high concentrations of Karenia Brevisthe body responsible for the phenomenon. This microalgae produces neurotoxins that can cause respiratory problems in humans and animals.
Recommendations for the population
Health authorities urge to avoid bathing and traffic through affected waters. Similarly, people with respiratory conditions must take precautions and stay away from the area.
Residents of coastal areas must close windows and resort to air conditioning. In case of exposure, it is advisable to wash the skin and clothes with fresh water.
It is also recommended that pet and cattle owners keep their animals outside the contaminated areas.
Meanwhile, the population should not consume shellfish or fish captured in the sector, except in the case of fish that is in optimal conditions, which has been filled out, rinsed with drinking water and to which the viscera have been removed.
State actions
The alert is issued in a context in which the state of Florida reinforces its measures against the red tide. In April 2024, Governor Ron Desantis approved the bill HB 1565, which eliminates the expiration of the initiative for technological development and mitigation of the phenomenon.
The regulations require the Environmental Protection Office (DEP), the Florida Fishing and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Marine Laboratory Coordinate efforts to innovate in technologies that face the effects of the red tide.
During a press conference the previous year in Naples, the governor highlighted the importance of these measures and said that the authorities apply technologies safely to avoid negative consequences.
Desantis pointed out that the red tide caused a negative impact of 2.7 billion dollars in the Tourism Sector of Florida in 2018 and that the State allocated more than $ 125 million to the mitigation of algae since 2019.
In addition to the shares against the Red Marea, the Florida government allocated 100 million dollars to the Florida Wildlife Corridor, a conservation project that covers almost 18 million acres.
The resources, from an agreement with the seminole tribe, aim to preserve natural landscapes, productive areas and guarantee safe traffic of endangered species.
Impact on tourism and economics
Red tide threatens public health and biodiversity, and exerts considerable pressure on the state economy.
Outdoor recreation generates more than 52 billion dollars, while state parks contribute 3.6 billion, which allows the generation of more than 50,000 jobs. The recent red tide episodes on the coast could affect these figures, so an effective and sustainable solution is required.
State and local authorities announced that they maintain the situation under surveillance and develop medium and long term solutions to reduce the effects of the phenomenon.
