Tommy Locke was born in Webster, Florida. He has been fishing his entire life but started his career in Homosassa as a charter captain.

Scope and Content Note

Tommy Locke recalls several Red Tide events, the earliest being in 1972. He gives a detailed account on the various red tides that occurred on the southwest Gulf coast. He provides insights on his experience in the fishing industry, particularly focusing on tarpon fishing. He recounts his career starting in Homosassa and later moving to Boca Grande. Locke highlights the changes in water quality, noting a decline and an increase in nutrients over the past 12 years. While tarpon is his primary target, he also mentions fishing for other species such as snook, redfish, cobia, kingfish, grouper, and snapper. Locke acknowledges the negative impact of red tide on fish populations, sharing firsthand accounts of dead tarpon and goliath groupers during recent events. However, he discusses the recovery of fish populations following red tide incidents and mentions the current abundance of snook in the backcountry.

Regarding red tide, Locke expresses his observations and experiences, noting its extension to Sanibel without further spread. He associates the red tide with water release from springs and identifies its presence in the Everglades and Gulf of Mexico. He describes red tide's effect on fish, causing them to spin out of the water and leading to their death, often leaving black, resin-like substances in the water. Locke also mentions the health risks for individuals with asthma and children, leading to business closures. He expresses concern about the impact on the fishing industry and emphasizes the importance of protecting Florida's natural state. The recovery process is discussed, with Locke mentioning a decrease in the trout population and proposing a reduction in water flow to prevent long-term shifts. While the 2004 red tide after Hurricane Charlie did not significantly affect his fishing, Locke recalls seeing dead fish in certain areas and discusses the recovery period following both the red tide and the hurricane. The severity and density of the 2018 red tide are emphasized, attributed to a specific source of fuel, with lasting consequences on Locke's fishing business.

Additionally, Locke addresses various environmental topics, stressing the importance of caring for the ecosystem and suggesting that prioritizing its well-being can help resolve other issues. He acknowledges the challenges of monitoring and predicting red tide due to factors like fuel amount and wind direction. The impact of algae blooms and the necessity for natural seabeds are also discussed.