Van Hubbard
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.
Transcription Hub
Van Hubbard grew up in the Tampa Bay area. He used to net fish until the ban and got his captain’s license in 1976 and started chartering. He used to fish offshore but now he fishes inshore. His main target species are trout, redfish, king mackerel, kingfish, and Spanish mackerel.
Scope and Content Note
Van Hubbard reflects on the evolving fishing industry and the challenges posed by water quality issues. Throughout his career, Hubbard says he has witnessed changes in fish populations and water quality deterioration. He highlights the detrimental effects of spills and infrastructure failures on water quality, particularly highlighting Phillippi Creek as a significant problem area. The decline of certain fish species, such as king mackerel and pompano, and the proliferation of red algae and green snot grass over the past 15-20 years are issues he raises. He emphasizes the importance of relying on factual information and constructive dialogue when addressing environmental challenges, drawing insights from platforms such as eco-voice, Chesapeake Bay Program, and Coastal News.
Hubbard shares his experiences with red tide specifically, underscoring the uniqueness of each occurrence. He recounts instances where red tides lasted as short as a week or extended over a year, with three occurrences surpassing the one-year mark. Hubbard explains that red tides can manifest at different times of the year and are influenced by factors like water temperature and salinity. These events often originate in specific areas, such as from Phillippi Creek southward, before spreading due to winds and currents. Hubbard discusses the impact of red tide on fish populations, noting fish kills and the loss of various species.
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