1800 Second Street, Suite 799, Sarasota, FL 34236
Mission Statement START is committed to scientific research and educational outreach. The research we support is focused on the control and mitigation of Harmful Algae Blooms (HABs) such as red tide to help maintain coastal water quality. Our educational outreach goal is to inform the public about the health, environmental and economic impacts of Harmful Algae Blooms.
Vision Statement START’s vision is to improve the quality of our marine waters through research, public education, and programs that restore marine habitats, preserve marine species, and promote healthy beaches and coastal waterways.
START was founded in 1996 by General Jim Patterson (US Army, ret.). (1931-2009). START has helped secure funding to support scientific research, economic impact studies, assessment of human health risks, and development of mitigation plans for local beaches.
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Follow this link to subscribe to the FWCs Red Tide Status Reports
The Florida HAB Control & Mitigation Workshop was held Feb 9 – 11 at the Keating Center at Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota. The major goals of the workshop were to present the State-funded Red Tide Control & Mitigation project results to stakeholders; to highlight and discuss the latest Control & Mitigation global and Florida-specific research; and, to increase awareness and educate stakeholders on HAB Control & Mitigation programs, science and strategies.The Red Tide Control & Mitigation Program was established in 2007 by the Florida Fish and Wildlife ConservationCommission’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWC-FWRI) and START. It was a competitive grant program designed to fund projects designed to minimize the size, intensity, or duration of Karenia brevis blooms or reduce the environmental, economic, social or public health impacts of future red tides in Florida. Between 2007 and 2009, 12 projects were funded through this program and they addressed numerous topics including effects on human health; outreach and education strategies; economic impact investigations; and, biological, chemical, or physical control of redtide blooms or their toxins. During the course of this grant program, we have posted periodic summaries of the projects. Now that the program has ended, you will be able to review all the summaries by clicking Stakeholders Report in the left column. You may also receive copies of the report by calling the START office or emailing your request to Colleen@start1.com.
Florida Red Tide & Coastal Managers Commonly Asked Questions Presentation
START’s short film on red tide, “Red Tide Refrain,” initially developed for middle school science classes, will air on the Florida Knowledge Network (Florida Department of Education) March 15 at 7:30 am and March 31 at 11:30 am. The film will be seen on both the Network’s programming for middle school science courses and their “Florida Spotlight” about Florida’s environment. The Network’s programming is also simulcast on many Florida PBS stations.
START recently placed its initial order for the high definition BluRay DVDs of its full-length documentary on red tide,“Guardians of the Gulf.” We are also awaiting copies of the standard definition DVDs of this film. Soon both DVDs will be available for purchase and viewing in the community. Please stay tuned… START is also proceeding with plans to implement its mobile A/V capabilities by adding a Sony projector to use with the Sony BluRay DVD player donated to us by EISF, our partner in the production of the two films, and Sony. We want to be able to share these beautiful films with audiences large and small.
Would you like a START guest speaker in your area? Please contact Colleen Adler at colleen@start1.com
Check the current red tide status.
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Stakeholders Report