Sean McQuade is a seasoned charter boat captain and commercial fisherman with over 26 years of experience, who moved from Long Island to Florida in 1993. Sean divides his time between charter fishing, commercial fishing, and working as a firefighter. He has been actively engaged in fishing and diving and has witnessed changes in fish populations, water quality, and the occurrence of red tide events in the Fort Myers area.

Scope and Content Note

Sean McQuade discusses the impact of red tide on fishing activities in the Fort Myers area, noting significant changes over the years. McQuade notes a dramatic increase in their severity around 2014-2015. He recounts that around eight or nine years ago, a devastating red tide event caused marine life devastation near Boca Grande, where he was diving. He also notes that fish populations, especially migratory fish like redfish and snook, have declined significantly, raising concerns about water quality and environmental factors' contribution to the issue. He discusses water quality changes in the river, pointing to phosphate and nitrate pollution as potential contributors to the decline in fish populations. McQuade hypothesizes that the combination of red tide, water quality changes, and environmental factors has led to the decline in fish populations, impacting his business and the fishing industry as a whole. McQuade highlights the importance of cooperation between fishermen, scientists, and other stakeholders to understand the dynamics and potential causes of red tide.