Ralph Andrew

Location of Interview
Collection Name

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

Description

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.

Date of Interview
02-19-2019
Transcribers

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Principal Investigator
Audio
Transcript
Biographical Sketch

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

Ralph Andrew discusses the impact of red tide and green slime on the coastal ecosystem. He recalls witnessing his first red tide event as a 10-year-old, resulting in a massive fish kill in Florida Bay near Fort Myers Beach, although it didn't significantly impact the overall fish population. Ralph talks about smaller and sparser red tide events in the Estero Bay area and Fort Myers Beach, which didn't affect his fishing activities or local fish populations significantly. However, in 2018, he noticed a substantial increase in red tide and green algae after Hurricane Irma caused sewage plants to lose power, leading to drainage issues. Ralph attributes the severity of the 2018 red tide to a combination of sewage dumping and stormwater runoff, which intensified its toxicity. He hypothesizes that inadequate enforcement of pesticide and fertilizer usage near water bodies also contributed to the issue. He notes the long-term impacts on the commercial fishing industry and the local economy, and the need for stricter regulations to protect the fragile ecosystem from overpopulation, pollution from boats, and excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides.


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