Dr. Aaron Adams. Photo: Rafeed Hussain
Bonefish & Tarpon Trust was invited to participate in a special Capitol Hill Red Tide Briefing on September 27. Dr. Aaron Adams, BTT’s Director of Science and Conservation, spoke at length about the high likelihood that, although the organism that causes red tide is natural to the Gulf coast, human-introduced nutrients are enhancing red tide blooms. Dr. Adams also highlighted the deteriorating conditions along much of Florida’s coast – all due to water mismanagement. The panel discussion attracted an audience of more than 60, composed of congressional staff, other non-profit organizations, and media. BTT’s statement on red tide is here.
The panel was sponsored by the Ocean Conservancy and Citizens’ Climate Lobby, with Honorary Hosts, Senators Bill Belson and Marco Rubio. In addition to Dr. Adams, the panel included Rae Ann Wessel from the Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation, John Lai, from the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce, and Dr. Michael Crosby of Mote Marine Laboratory.
