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

Kevin Bellington gives a detail account of Red Tide events in the past twenty years. Kevin recalls a significant red tide event in 2002 that affected offshore species such as redfish and snapper, causing indicators like coughing and sudden death of bait fish. He notes that he doesn't notice a change in water color during red tide events. In recent years, Kevin says his fishing activities have shifted from offshore to backwater due to the decline of grouper caused by red tide. He observes a significant decrease in grouper catch within a 10 to 30-mile offshore range and mentions seeing floating red grouper during the most recent red tide event, leading to fish deaths.

When asked about specific red tide events and durations, Kevin mentions that the 2002 red tide event lasted about 30 days and affected a specific area off Fort Myers. Fish populations returned to normal within a month or two after the event. Kevin also discusses the impact of red tide on his business and the challenges he faces. He mentions changes in spawning patterns, health issues due to poor air quality, and the difficulty of predicting red tide events. He relies on short-term forecasts from NOAA to make fishing decisions and calls for better long-term predictions to plan his business. He discusses the abnormal 2015 red tide event that affected various species and the negative economic impact it had on fishing routes and local businesses. He also describes the unprecedented and devastating nature of the most recent red tide event, extending up to 50 miles offshore and affecting a vast area along the coast.

Kevin highlights the issue of misinformation about red tide in the media, leading to negative perceptions and cancellations by potential customers. He emphasizes the economic consequences and the need for accurate reporting to avoid unnecessary fear and economic losses. He mentions various theories about red tide but emphasizes the need for scientific research to understand the root causes. Kevin's discussion also touches on the phenomenon of blooms and red tide, the difficulty of determining triggers, and the importance of collaboration between fishermen, scientists, and organizations like NOAA.