A History of Red Tide events on the West Coast of Florida

  • Collection DOI:
    Principal Investigator:
    Matthew McPherson, Mandy Karnauskas, Suzana Blake

  • This collection was created during the 2017-2018 red tide event that had major ecosystem impacts on the west coast of Florida. Fish harvesters and related businesses suffered major setbacks during this time. Fishers, with a long history on the water and oftentimes second or third generation involved in the fishing business, reminisce about how the ecosystem has changed during their and their families time and the red tides they have witnessed. The collection provides information on species affected, specific areas affected, as well as discussions related to adaptation behaviors and specific business impacts.

Displaying 1 - 1 of 1

Page 1 of 1

Interviewee Collection Description Interviewer Date of Interview Location of Interview Affiliation
Danny Ratfield A History of Red Tide events on the West Coast of Florida

Danny Ratfield is a seasoned expert in Florida's coastal areas and fisheries, with nearly 30 years of experience exploring locations like the Florida Keys and the Everglades. He advocates for studying and addressing red tide and water quality issues to restore the natural balance of the ecosystem, emphasizing the importance of sustainable solutions.

Scope and Content Note

 Unknown Panama City, FL Southeast Fisheries Science Center
Waylon Mills A History of Red Tide events on the West Coast of Florida

Wayton Mills is a fourth-generation fishing guide and charter boat captain who has been leading fishing trips in the Boca Grande for 26 years. Initially focused on charter fishing, including both offshore and inshore fishing, Mills also engaged in stone crabbing until logistical challenges and distant buyers led him to discontinue it in 2017. 

Scope and Content Note

 Amanda Stoltz Boca Grande, FL Southeast Fisheries Science Center
Henry R. Blakely A History of Red Tide events on the West Coast of Florida

Henry Blakely is an experienced fisherman based in Fort Myers Beach, with a focus on stone crabbing and kingfish fishing. Throughout his life, he has witnessed and dealt with the impact of red tide occurrences on fishing activities in the region.

Scope and Content Note

 Amanda Stoltz Fort Myers, FL Southeast Fisheries Science Center
Greg Abrams A History of Red Tide events on the West Coast of Florida

Greg Abrams is a commercial fisherman, and owns a seafood business in Panama City. Abrams discusses mostly the changes in fisheries regulations through his time as a fisherman. 

Scope and Content Note

 Suzana Blake Panama City, FL Southeast Fisheries Science Center
Bill Burk A History of Red Tide events on the West Coast of Florida

Bill Burk is a seasoned fisherman and expert in the fishing industry with over four decades of experience. As a native of North Florida, he has witnessed and adapted to the changing fishing practices and environmental impacts on the Gulf Coast. 

Scope and Content Note

 Michael Jepson, Mandy Karnauskas Clearwater, FL Southeast Fisheries Science Center
Ralph Andrew A History of Red Tide events on the West Coast of Florida

Ralph Andrew is a seasoned fisherman based in Florida. He has witnessed and experienced multiple red tide events throughout his life, leading him to advocate for stricter regulations to protect the environment from pollution and its devastating consequences.

Scope and Content Note

 Amanda Stoltz, Karla Gore Fort Myers, FL Southeast Fisheries Science Center
Mark Ratfield A History of Red Tide events on the West Coast of Florida

Mark Ratfield is a 5th generation Floridian and commercial fisherman. Ratfield shares his stories of how difficult the fishery is in the Panama City Beach area. He recalls two distinct Red Tide events, in 2002 and 2016.

Scope and Content Note

 Suzana Blake Panama City, FL Southeast Fisheries Science Center
Brad Gorst A History of Red Tide events on the West Coast of Florida

Brad Gorst fishes offshore (commercial and charter) in the grouper snapper fishery as well as for kingfish and Spanish mackerel. He has been in business in Clearwater since 1973. The red tide in 2018 didn’t impact him but the decrease in tourism impacted his bookings for his charter business. 

Scope and Content Note

 Mandy Karnauskas Clearwater, FL Southeast Fisheries Science Center
Kevin Bellington A History of Red Tide events on the West Coast of Florida

Kevin Bellington is an experienced fishing guide with nearly 40 years of fishing in Goodland, Florida. As a charter captain, he has encountered numerous red tide events throughout his career and witnessed their impact on fish populations. 

Scope and Content Note

 Mandy Karnauskas, Suzana Blake Goodland, FL Southeast Fisheries Science Center
Eddie Barnhill A History of Red Tide events on the West Coast of Florida

Eddie Barnhill is a third-generation fisherman and the owner of Barnhill Fisheries. He has a deep passion for fishing and is committed to preserving historical knowledge and protecting the fishing industry's future. Eddie is concerned about the challenges posed by factors like overfishing, water quality issues, and climate change, and advocates for proper management and conservation efforts to ensure a sustainable future for the fishing community and marine ecosystems.

Scope and Content Note

 Suzana Blake Fort Myers Beach, FL Southeast Fisheries Science Center
Subscribe to A History of Red Tide events on the West Coast of Florida