Matt Davie
A History of Red Tide events on the West Coast of Florida
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.
Interview with charter boat captain Matt Davie, of Inshore Addict Charters.
Scope and Content Note
Captain Matt Davie discusses his experiences and observations regarding fishing conditions, specifically addressing the issue of Red Tide. Matt mentions that fishing has been sporadic lately, with good days mixed in, but he expresses concern about the impact of Red Tide on his business. He explains that he has been going offshore more frequently to catch fish, especially when the weather permits, but when Red Tide is present, it becomes challenging to maintain a consistent catch. Matt highlights the need to address pollution, such as waste runoff and air pollution, which he believes contributes to the Red Tide problem. He also mentions the importance of environmental research conducted by institutions like New College of Florida. He also expresses hope for a better fishing season and emphasizes the significance of finding solutions to mitigate the effects of Red Tide.
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