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Water-Related News

Water quality roundtable attracts experts from around the Suncoast

SARASOTA – In the wake of a massive red tide outbreak, key stakeholders in the state of water quality in Sarasota Bay met at a roundtable Monday hosted by U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan.

“Red tide has wreaked havoc on marine life, our waters and the many businesses that rely on Florida’s tourism-based economy,” Buchanan was quoted in a news release.

The Suncoast is currently experiencing severe levels of red tide, which is caused by toxin-producing algae that is extremely deadly to fish and other marine life.

Those in attendance included:

  • Adam Blalock, Deputy Secretary for Ecosystems Restoration, Florida Department of Environmental Protection
  • Dr. Thomas Frazer, Dean of the College of Marine Science at the University of South Florida
  • Ed Sherwood, Executive Director, Tampa Bay Estuary Program
  • Dr. Dave Tomasko, Executive Director, Sarasota Bay Estuary Program
  • Dr. Michael Mullan, Executive Director, Roskamp Institute
  • Jeff Sedacca, Advisor, Gulf Shellfish Institute
  • Elliot Falcione, Executive Director, Visit Manatee
  • Erin Duggan, Vice President, Visit Sarasota