Tom Marvel is a grouper fisher who has lived in Naples since 1969. 

Scope and Content Note

In this oral history, Tom Marvel discusses his experiences with red tide and yellow water over the years. Tom recalls encountering red tide in the early 1970s when he moved to Naples. He also discusses encountering red tide offshore while trolling for kingfish during the same period, but it didn't seem to affect the kingfish beyond a certain distance from the shore. In the mid to late 1990s, Tom talks about a significant red tide event known as the "blackwater event." The water turned very dark, almost black, due to an algae bloom that spanned a wide area from Naples to Everglades City, potentially even reaching the Keys. 

Discussing the impact of red tide on fisheries, Tom finds it challenging to determine the exact effects. Tom also recalls encountering red tide and "weird water" conditions during the current year. There were pockets of red tide mixed with the weird water, and while fishing in the ugly water, they managed to catch some fish, although the conditions were not ideal. In terms of yellow water, Tom remembers an incident in the early 1990s when he encountered funky yellow water while fishing for gag grouper. In 2018 and 2019, Tom says he witnessed yellow-green water in the fall, particularly in the area where they fish for king mackerel starting in mid-November. The conversation touches on the areas affected by red tide and those seemingly unaffected, with Tom suggesting that red tide and yellow water vary based on individual experiences and locations.