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| The Green muck infesting the coast of Florida |
So why is all of this happening?
Usually, the red tide comes into affect in the Gulf of Mexico yearly, however the severity of this killer algae varies by year. Red tide is usually caused by wind, currents, and the presence of nutrients that allow for the algae to grow. This outbreak is known as "a red tide" due to the rust-red colors that the toxic algae cells produce. These cells are known as Karenia brevis, which releases toxins when the cell blooms, and then dies. However, there is more to this red tide than meets the eye. Lake Okeechobee is located in Southern Florida, and when the levels get too high, it is regularly released to both the east and west coasts of Florida. Lake Okeechobee is surrounded by both miles of sugarcane fields, and miles of farmland. According to the video in the link below, phosphorus, a key ingredient in fertilizer, is flowing into the lake from the North, and from the South, water from the fertilized sugar cane fields is also flowing into the river. This polluted water then flows by canals to both coasts, and the toxic water ends up in the ocean. The polluted water from the lake mixed with the toxic algae already found in the coasts are not a good combination. However, the government refuses to stop pumping the phosphorous into the lake, because the profit being made from the agriculture is as good as its ever been.
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| The polluted waters of Lake Okeechobee |
How does the algae effect sea life and humans?
The sea life on the coast of Florida are suffering greatly from this toxic outbreak in their waters. The red tide has spread more than 130 miles of coastline in Florida. So far, 2,000 tons of marine life in five different counties of Florida have been found dead either on the beaches or in the water. Florida is known for its pristine beaches, and beautiful sea life, but now, there is not much left to either of them. Since the beginning of this year, manatees, whale sharks, dolphins, turtles, and fish have been the victims of the toxicity. The animals often ingest the algae accidentally while they are feeding, and if the algae does not immediately kill them, they are usually unable to function properly, and die regardless. This algae is very thick and mucky, and has a distinct smell to it. Many people describe a tingling sensation followed by burning of their nose, throats, and lungs. Studies have shown that if you already have respiratory problems, then the fumes of the toxic algae can cause serious illness, and even possibly lead to death.
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| Fish line the beaches of the coasts of Florida |
What is being done about this?
Rick Scott, the governor of Florida is doing everything he can to keep the beloved coasts and coastal towns of Florida from being damaged even more.The red tide has caused an estimated of 8 billion dollars, and that number is increasing each day that goes by. Governor Scott has provided over 3 million dollars so far to try to help the marine life and people of Florida. This money has been used to rescue and medically treat marine life, remove the dead marine life from beaches, provide scientists with the tools to study the algae in the water, and provide money for the businesses that were damaged by the effects of the red tide. However, in all of the time that the red tide has been ravaging the water, no others in the government have stepped into help. President Trump has not talked about the state of emergency in Florida, and has not proposed a solution to this.
Recent News
An article released just days ago describes the The U.S. Army Corps of Engineer's plan to increase the water release for the next few weeks. Their reasoning to do so is simple; Florida is in the heart of its hurricane season, and Lake Okeechobee is at risk of reaching dangerous levels. Back in 1928, The Okeechobee Hurricane struck and badly damaged the city of Okeechobee. This deadly hurricane also caused severe floods from the lake, forcing the state to build the Herbert Hoover Dike around Okeechobee, and as the age of this dike is increasing, the quality of it is decreasing. The army corps is hoping that keeping the levels of the lake low will keep the residents living around the lake safe. But will this keep the overall residents of Florida safe?
Questions:
Do you think climate change may also have an effect on the spreading of the red tide?
Do you think President Trump should step in and help the people and waters of Florida?
Will scientists find a way to stop the red tide before it causes too much harm?
Article Links:
I chose to write about this subject because of a family friend who lives in Cape Coral, Florida, and he has been forced to move out of his home because of the toxic fumes in the air from the water. This is effecting many people and businesses, and something needs to be done to stop it before it gets worse.
Much better job connecting your current event to government and politics this time around! Nice job!
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