Video above: New University of South Florida study identifies cause of red tide
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — With hotter climate comes purple tide, and two of Florida’s congressional representatives have launched a bipartisan invoice that may assist the federal authorities reply to the deluge.
Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-FL), who represents Manatee County and a part of Hillsborough County, and Rep. Darren Soto (D-FL), who represents parts of Polk, Osceola and Orange counties, introduced the Defending Native Communities from Dangerous Algal Blooms Act on Thursday.
If handed, the laws would amend an present regulation to incorporate algal blooms within the definition of a “main catastrophe” and would permit FEMA to answer southwest Florida’s purple tide outbreaks.
Buchanan mentioned the blooms affect the area’s economic system.
“On Florida’s Suncoast, we depend on clear water and white sandy seashores to assist our economic system and our lifestyle,” Buchanan mentioned in an announcement. “Purple tide has wreaked havoc on marine life, our coastal waters and the numerous companies that depend on Florida’s tourism-based economic system. This invoice is essential to guard our economic system and setting for generations to come back. We should take speedy motion to fight purple tide and different dangerous algal blooms.”
Soto mentioned purple tide additionally impacts the well being of coastal residents.
“Florida’s waterways are the spine of the environment, economic system, and lifestyle—however dangerous algal blooms threaten their well being and our communities,” Soto mentioned in an announcement. “This laws will present vital sources to fight these outbreaks, defend public well being, and assist our native economies that depend on clear water. By reintroducing this invoice, we’re taking a stand for Florida’s setting and the livelihoods that rely upon it.”
Directing FEMA to answer purple tide blooms would permit the company to offer monetary and technical help in response to the ensuing fish kills and well being alerts, a information launch from Buchanan’s workplace mentioned.
Publicity to purple tide could cause respiratory irritation, coughing and sneezing. It may possibly additionally worsen situations like bronchial asthma.
