USF gets federal funding to study red tide
April 29, 2020 - The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration awarded a $227,122 grant to the University of South Florida, in conjunction with the University of Central Florida, to help develop response and adaptation strategies to combat red tide. The award, entitled “From Bloom to Bust: Estimating Economic Losses and Impacts of Florida Red Tide (Karenia brevis),” will fund a two-year project to allow USF and UCF to examine the economic impacts of red tide across 80 different economic sectors, including tourism, commercial fishing and public health. “Developing new approaches to mitigate and adapt to red tide outbreaks is critical to protecting our coastal communities, economy, and way of life," said Rep. Charlie Crist, D-St. Petersburg, whose office announced the grant. USF scientists have a long history of studying red tide and the new research will help develop a more complete understanding of how Florida’s environment is vitally important to the state's economy, said USF President Steven Currall.