Red tides in Florida are primarily caused by the microscopic organism Karenia brevis, a dinoflagellate known for its production of potent neurotoxins. When these toxins accumulate, they can cause significant ecological issues, including mass fish mortalities and shellfish contamination. Wind and wave action can break open K. brevis cells, releasing the toxins into the air as aerosols, which can irritate respiratory systems or exacerbate conditions such as asthma. The economic toll on Florida’s fishing, tourism, and aquaculture industries has led to increasing urgency in finding sustainable and effective solutions.
As part of a collaborative project, Mote Marine Laboratory will provide $121,000 in funding to support field studies in Florida under the Florida Red Tide Mitigation and Technology Development Initiative. This state-backed programme, launched in 2019, was established to coordinate research into prevention, control, and mitigation technologies for red tides, which continue to impact marine ecosystems, human health, and coastal economies.
The new research partnership builds upon previous studies conducted by Sundew, Mote, and the Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences in Maine. Sundew’s expertise in biotechnological solutions for planetary health aligns well with Mote Marine Laboratory’s extensive research into Florida’s marine ecosystems. Together, they aim to develop natural, scalable, and cost-effective treatments that can be deployed to mitigate the damage caused by red tide outbreaks..
Initial findings demonstrated that marine microbial extracts developed by Sundew were highly effective in controlling multiple HAB species, including K. brevis, without harming other marine organisms. Furthermore, the compounds were found to degrade rapidly in water, breaking down into harmless byproducts, which ensures minimal long-term environmental impact.
This partnership marks a significant step forward in the global fight against harmful algal blooms, demonstrating the potential of natural microbial solutions to provide an alternative to synthetic chemical treatments. If successful, the technology could help transform how red tides are managed, not just in Florida but in other regions affected by HABs worldwide.
