Florida explores shellfish farming to combat harmful algal blooms

Florida is facing increasing challenges from harmful algal blooms, including the notorious red tide. These blooms are fueled by nitrogen and phosphorus runoff from agricultural and residential fertilizers. According to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, 86 percent of the state's watersheds are at risk due to nitrogen pollution.

Red tide events can have severe consequences; a 2018 event impacted nearly 1,000 miles of coastline, causing animal deaths, human respiratory issues, and an estimated $2.7 billion in lost tourism and recreation revenue. Recent studies from the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration suggest red tide is becoming a chronic issue driven by warming waters and coastal development. Researchers are investigating whether shellfish farming could serve as a potential solution to mitigate these blooms.