Shocking Red Tide of Algae hits ASI Schools on Florida's Gulf Coast. USA

USA.  Florida has been hit by an unusually persistent toxic red tide of algae which has ravaged the coast and marine environments of ASI Schools and businesses in the area.

The algal bloom or Karenia brevis red tides produce toxins that kills fish, sea turtles, manatees, dolphins and the majority of other sea life. It can also cause harm to humans in the form of respiratory problems and eye irritations.

An Economic and Environmental disaster for Florida

Tourism in Florida has been severely affected. Resulting in empty hotels and restaurants as well as those relying on a clean marine environment such as our ASI schools and businesses.

ASI School Surfit USA is based in Sarasota, Florida. Co-owner Kala Gore tells us what is happening there: “It is so awful. We have had no work for over two months. There are dead fish everywhere and the respiratory irritation to us is back and forth, sometimes it is there, sometimes the wind carries it away. The water is unusable and even it was OK to go in the water the dead fish everywhere makes it unenjoyable.

“There are no tourists in the hotels and there is no end in sight. This is normally our slow season but the red tide became really bad at the end of July. The last couple of months of our busy season were completely destroyed and many companies are struggling. “

Florida businesses and people struggling to cope

She continues: “Many businesses have laid off employees and are barely surviving. Everyday there is new devastation like the three dead manatees found this week, 9-10 dead dolphins, and countless fish. Honestly, my husband and co-owner ASI Trainer Aaron Pollard has been so depressed by the situation he is leaving. It is too depressing to stay here and watch the ocean be destroyed and to see the business dying.

“There has been no help from the government with the exception of loan programs, which take a long time to qualify for, and many people can't qualify for them. It is the absolute worst we’ve ever seen it.”

East Coast USA a marine disaster zone

The red tide has spread over 1 million acres in the Gulf of Mexico, obliterating marine life since the start of the rainy season. It is now affecting the Tampa Bay area with the same economic and marine death toll with Florida’s white sand beaches now covered in toxic seaweed and rotting sea life and marine-life carcasses.

Environmental policies

The Daily Kos news  suggests the red tide of algae has been exacerbated by disastrous environmental policies put in place by Florida Governor Rick Scott.

Daily Kos reports: “Florida Governor Rick Scott is running scared, as the natives become more and more restless over his disastrous environmental policies that are ravaging our beautiful and fragile watery environments.

“It is Scott, Agriculture Secretary Adam Putnam, and Attorney General Pam Bondi who, within days of taking power in 2010, fought furiously against regulations that would have mitigated the ecological catastrophe unfolding in South Florida, which has its origin in the polluted waters of Lake Okeechobee in Palm Beach County.”

For the full report click here

Banner Photo Ref: merlin_142004997_716ef0ac-3b10-40bc-9d24-88c9d104ffc3-jumbo

Photo Ref:  redtide-sunshinestatenew
 

Photo Ref:  wallstreetjoural
 

Photo Ref:  sarastotapostimage

**************************************************
About ASI
 
ASI is a professional membership organisation and international governing body for instructors, coaches and schools in the outdoor recreation industry for surfing, stand up paddle and bodyboarding.
We set the standards for education, accreditation, professional development and ongoing support for our members, offering pathways from entry level to elite level.
International Instructor and Coach Accreditation. You can travel the world with ASI.
ASI Accredited Schools abide by the high international standards for operations, training and safety.
www.academyofsurfing.com
 
 
Keep up to date with ASI:
ASI Mag News, Jobs, Articles
Facebook
Instagram

#proudtobeASI, #academyofsurfinginstructors, #asi_academy #ASInstructor
#surfinginstructor #surfcoach #surfschool
#supcoach #standuppaddleinstructor #supschool
#supyoga  #standuppaddleyoga #supfitness #standuppaddlefitness #supdownwind #supsurfing