Red Tide report

Southwest CoastA bloom of Karenia brevis, the Florida Red Tide organism, has been detected in samples collected alongshore of northern Collier County. This bloom is likely a continuation of the bloom reported late September through early November, although this is the first report of alongshore detection in several weeks. Medium to very low concentrations of K. brevis were measured alongshore of the bloom patch, which has been approximated with the use of satellite images to be 25 miles long and extending offshore approximately 15 miles. In locations outside of the bloom, K. brevis was not present or was present only at low concentrations.

 

Karenia brevis was not detected in samples collected alongshore of Hillsborough, Pinellas, Manatee, Sarasota and Charlotte counties or alongshore and offshore of the Florida Keys (Monroe County).

 

Bloom Boundary: The K. brevis bloom currently extends alongshore and offshore of Sanibel Island (southern Lee County) and northern Collier County with the highest concentrations detected alongshore at Barefoot and Vanderbilt beaches in Collier County.

 

 

Northwest CoastKarenia brevis, the Florida red tide organism, was not detected in water samples collected this week alongshore of Walton County or offshore of Dixie, Levy, Hernando and Pasco counties.

 

East CoastThere were no samples analyzed this week from the east coast of Florida

2012 Energy Innovation Summit Featuring Bill Gates, Susan Hockfield, and Lee Scott

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy(ARPA-E) will hold its third annual Energy Innovation Summit from February 27–29, 2012 at the Gaylord Convention Center just outside Washington, D.C.
Bill Gates, founder and chairman of Microsoft; Susan Hockfield, president and professor of neuroscience at MIT; Lee Scott, former CEO of Wal-Mart; and other thought leaders will join Energy Secretary Steven Chu and ARPA-E Director Arun Majumdar as distinguished keynote speakers.
Now in its third year, the Summit is designed to unite key players from all sectors of the nation’s energy innovation community to share ideas for developing and deploying the next generation of clean energy technologies. The event is co-hosted by ARPA-E and Clean Technology and Sustainable Industries Organization (CTSI).
Full story

Reports are emerging that what was initially reported as a natural oil seep off the coast of Brazil might be coming from a Chevron appraisal well instead. Several days ago the oil slick was 56 miles long. According to satellite imagery the spill the oil slick now extends over 918 square miles, Business Insider reports.

Reportedly 18 vessels are now on scene, with Chevron trying to kill the well. Chevron says the estimated rate of flow is 400-655 barrels per day, but Business Insider estimates from the extent of the slick that a flow rate of 3,738 barrels per day is more likely.

Amazingly, though this hasn't been confirmed, further Business Insider analysis points to TransOcean (of Gulf Oil Spill fame, remember) operating the drilling vessel at the appraisal well.

Follow our AllardPPC BeSpoke blog here for the latest in • Social Marketing • Eco Programs • Promotional Products • Philanthropic Marketing

DOE and EPA Release 2012 Annual Fuel Economy Guide

The Department of Energy (DOE) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are releasing the 2012 Fuel Economy Guide, providing consumers with information that can help them choose a more efficient new vehicle that saves them money and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. While fuel efficient vehicles come in a variety of fuel types, classes, and sizes, many new advanced technology vehicles debut on this year's annual list of top fuel economy performers. Fuel economy leaders within each vehicle category—from two-seaters to large SUVs—include widely available products such as conventional gasoline models and clean diesels.
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Follow our AllardPPC BeSpoke blog here for the latest in • Social Marketing • Eco Programs • Promotional Products • Philanthropic Marketing

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today recognized four leading organizations for expanding the market for electricity produced from renewable energy sources during the 11th annual Green Power Leadership Awards in San Francisco, California. These organizations' innovative "green power" programs provide consumers with the opportunity to purchase clean energy from environmentally-preferred sources, such as wind and solar energy.
Organizations that offer and promote green power programs support an industry that creates thousands of jobs each year, making clean, renewable energy accessible and affordable to the homeowners and businesses they serve. DOE encourages the growth of these programs nationwide by selecting exemplary programs to receive Green Power Leadership Awards.

Karenia brevis background concentrations

Yay, I've almost caught up with my postings! Water clarity is dramatically improving almost back to idyllic turquoise blue and Karenia brevis is only showing up in minimal concentrations. I guess I'd better find a clear water pic to be fair. Anyone have some good ones that I can use?

Southwest CoastKarenia brevis, the Florida Red Tide organism, was not detected at bloom concentrations in samples collected this week along the southwestern Florida coast. Background concentrations were observed alongshore of Charlotte County and background to very low concentrations were detected alongshore of Collier County. Karenia brevis was not detected in samples collected alongshore of Hillsborough, Pinellas, Manatee, Sarasota and Lee counties or offshore of the Florida Keys (Monroe County).

 

Northwest CoastKarenia brevis, the Florida red tide organism, was not detected in water samples collected this week alongshore of Okaloosa, Levy and Citrus counties or offshore of Okaloosa County.

 

East CoastKarenia brevis, the Florida red tide organism, was not detected in water samples collected this week alongshore of Dade County.

Mid week Red Tide update... almost gone

Karenia brevis, the Florida Red Tide organism, was not detected at bloom concentrations in samples collected this week along the southwestern Florida coast. Background concentrations were observed alongshore of Charlotte County and very low concentrations were found at one location alongshore of Collier County. Karenia brevis was not detected in samples collected alongshore of Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Sarasota counties.

 

No samples have been analyzed so far this week from the northwest coast of Florida or the east coast of Florida.

Red Tide in San Diego

I just saw this Tweet (AllardPPC) coming over with an article from the NY Times... I had no idea that San Diego has its own form of Red Tide!

Victoria Roberts

Q. Recently, at the San Diego ocean beach at night, we watched light emanating from every wave crest. News reports said it was caused by the red tide. How does it work?

A. The red tide in San Diego this fall was caused by a bloom of billions of a microscopic organism called a dinoflagellate, said Peter J. S. Franks, a professor at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography there.

“The particular species, Lingulodinium polyedrum, is bioluminescent — that is, it can make its own light,” Dr. Franks said.

“An enzyme, luciferase, and a substrate, luciferin, are held in tiny bags called vesicles inside the cell,” he said. “When the cell is jostled — for instance, by a breaking wave or a fish swimming by — the bags burst open, and the luciferin and luciferase mix, creating a flash of bluish light. When billions upon billions of these cells are stimulated simultaneously, the flash is bright enough to silhouette surfers on the waves at night.”

While most people saw a blue light, some reported it to be greenish, Dr. Franks said.

“The bioluminescence is thought to be a predator deterrent,” Dr. Franks said. “This could work in two ways. First, the predator might not like eating food that flashes in its mouth. Second, another predator might see the first predator all lit up and come over to eat that predator.”

C. CLAIBORNE RAY

FWC Florida Fish and Wildlife latest articles

We hope you enjoy the new articles and updates added to the MyFWC.com Web site in September and October.

New 

Florida Manatee Cold-related Unusual Mortality Event, January-April 2010

FWRI’s final report to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for grant #40181AG037. http://publish.fwc.state.fl.us/media/1536184/2010_Manatee_Cold_related_UME_Final.pdf

Lake Surveys Collect Fishery Data

Anglers describe their fishing habits to aid biologists in researching and monitoring the recreational fisheries at Lakes Dora and Beauclair.

MyFWC.com/research/freshwater/sport-fishes/black-crappie/lake-surveys/

Researcher Spotlight: Jeff Gore

Small and vulnerable populations of mice and bats fascinate Jeff Gore, working from his home base in the FWC's Northwest Regional Office in Panama City.

MyFWC.com/research/about/careers/scientist-interviews/jeff-gore/

Species Profile: Perdido Key Beach Mouse

This small mouse forages mostly on seeds and fruits of dune plants and occupies multiple burrows in the sands of a 15-mile island on the Gulf coast.

MyFWC.com/research/wildlife/terrestrial-mammals/beach-mouse/profile/

2010 Peridinium quinquecorne Bloom in Southwest Florida

Peridinium quinquecorne is a nontoxic dinoflagellate that bloomed alongshore of southwest Florida in 2010.

MyFWC.com/research/redtide/events/other/peridinium-quinquecorne-bloom/

Waterbird Colony Locator

Since the 1970s, the FWC has conducted statewide aerial surveys of waterbird colonies in Florida. The results aid in monitoring and conservation decisions. Scroll down to “Wading Bird Colonies – By Species” to search by species and location. http://atoll.floridamarine.org/Quickmaps/KMZ_download-habitats.htm

News                

2011 a banner year for 2 Florida sea turtle species

A record high for green turtle nests; a near-record for leatherbacks. 

MyFWC.com/news/news-releases/2011/october/10/sea-turtle-success/

Updates

Fish Kill Database Directory

Search the fish kill database for records of fish kills and fish abnormalities reported in Florida as far back as 1972.

http://research.MyFWC.com/fishkill/

HAB Publications

Scientists with the FWC's Fish and Wildlife Research Institute publish results of their research on harmful algae in books, journals, and other professional publications.

MyFWC.com/research/redtide/research/publications-products/publications-reports/

Index Nesting Beach Survey Totals (1989-2011)

Florida's Index Nesting Beach Survey records sea turtle nest counts on a standardized set of index beaches. Researchers use the annual survey to determine nesting trends.

MyFWC.com/research/wildlife/sea-turtles/nesting/beach-survey-totals/ 

Manatee Mortality

Search a summary manatee mortality database for information by county, cause of death, and date.

http://research.MyFWC.com/manatees/

2011 Manatee Mortality

View the preliminary manatee mortality report and monthly manatee mortality data for 2011.

MyFWC.com/research/manatee/rescue-mortality-response/mortality-statistics/2011/

Red Tide.. good its diminishing

Southwest CoastThe Karenia brevis bloom, first reported last month in southwest Florida, was not detected this week. Background to low concentrations of K. brevis were measured offshore of Sanibel Island (Lee County) in waters identified by satellite images to have high algal biomass.  In other locations, K. brevis was not present or was present only at very low concentrations. 

Karenia brevis was not detected in water samples collected this week alongshore of Pinellas, Hillsborough, Manatee and Collier counties or offshore of Monroe County.    

 

Northwest CoastKarenia brevis, the Florida red tide organism, was not detected in a water sample collected this week alongshore of Dixie County.

 

East CoastNo samples were analyzed this week from the east coast of Florida. 

 

Rob Wright of the N.E.S.T program who has been an excellent mentor and a wealth of advice for our Watershed project and Nina Powers are giving three WOW presentations next week as part of the November events.

Here’s the complete WOW events brochure that is on Science and Environment Council’s website:

November 8

Sarasota County Government – The Energy-Water Connection

Learn how you can conserve water at home and, as a result, conserve energy and resources and save money. This includes building and landscape water and energy conservation, rainwater harvesting, low-impact development and green infrastructure. November 8, 2–3 p.m., Gulf Gate Library, 7112 Curtiss Ave., Sarasota. Free to the public; no reservations required.

Wednesday, November 9

Sarasota County Government – Living on the Water’s Edge

No matter where you live, your yard is connected to the bay and Gulf. This program provides a guide to sustainable landscaping along ponds, streams, canals, bayfronts and seawalls. Learn how you can make a difference with bay-friendly plant selection, design and maintenance choices. November 9, noon–1 p.m., at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Cooley Theater, 811 South Palm Ave., Sarasota. Free to the public, no reservations required.

Thursday, November 10

Sarasota County – Living on the Water’s Edge

No matter where you live, your yard is connected to the bay and Gulf. This program provides a guide to sustainable landscaping along ponds, streams, canals, bayfronts and seawalls. Learn how you can make a difference with bay-friendly plant selection, design and maintenance choices. November 10, 2–3 p.m., North Port Library, 13800 S. Tamiami Trail, North Port. Free to the public; no reservations required.

for more information on this and future events go to AllardPPC • BeSpoke Blog

Red Tide update....

10.21.11 report, sorry everyone running a bit behind, but catching up rapidly. In our area we're still in the clear thank goodness!

Southwest CoastThe Karenia brevis bloom first reported three weeks ago in southwest Florida, currently extends alongshore of southern Sarasota County south to Lee County.  Medium concentrations of K. brevishave been reported alongshore of Charlotte County with very low to low concentrations reported alongshore of southern Sarasota County. Analysis of water samples also confirmed the presence ofK. brevis in Pine Island Sound (Lee County).  Although weather prevented offshore sampling by FWRI and other researchers, measurements from two autonomous underwater vehicles (AUV’s) deployed by Mote Marine Laboratory and USF’s College of Marine Science, found a patchy bloom between 10 and 50 km offshore of Charlotte and Lee counties. 

Karenia brevis was not detected in water samples collected this week alongshore of Pinellas, Hillsborough, Manatee and Collier counties.       

Bloom Boundary

This week, Karenia brevis abundance was greatest alongshore of Charlotte County. Widespread fish kills have been associated with this bloom and respiratory irritation is possible in and around the bloom areas.

Northwest Coast

Karenia brevis, the Florida red tide organism, was not detected in water samples collected this week alongshore of Bay and Levy counties or offshore of Dixie County.

East Coast

Karenia brevis, the Florida red tide organism, was not detected in water samples collected this week in the Indian River Lagoon (Brevard County). An ongoing microflagellate bloom continues in this area (first reported on 05/13/2011). 

ReAllocate launches new Google Earth site

ReAllocate launched their new Google Earth web site today with a world view of projects. The launch is in conjunction with Dr Mike North talk at the IEEE Humanitarian conference in Seattle

ReAllocate world view google map of projects

San Francisco, California, [October 25, 2011] – Dr. North will be delivering the closing call to action keynote speech at the upcoming IEEE Global Humanitarian Technology Conference in Seattle, WA on November 1


ReAllocate mission statement:
ReAllocate is a non-profit organization that leverages a volunteer network of high-level technologists, designers, and innovative thinkers to holistically address real-world problems. By dynamically assembling teams of world class talent, pairing them with issues faced in developing and disenfranchised parts of the world, and giving these professionals the structure, means, strategic partnerships, and funding necessary to address these issues, ReAllocate is capable of assessing a wide range of problems and executing innovative and effective solutions.

More upcoming blogs on some of these unique projects at  Allard PPC • BeSpoke Blog