Mon, 5 February 2024
Andrew Luen discusses the impact of water quality issues on tourism in Florida. He starts by sharing his personal association of Florida with sunny skies and blue waters; however, he highlights that there is something happening in Florida that is deterring people from visiting and making money off tourism. Andrew explains that since 2018, there has been a water quality scare in Florida that has affected the state's reputation. He recalls the events of 2018 when a new governor came into office and the subsequent concerns regarding water quality. Despite his raspy voice from coaching a hockey tournament, Andrew dives into the topic and explores the implications for the ocean and what individuals can do to address this issue. Link to article: https://winknews.com/2024/01/17/water-quality-economic-impact-swfl-billions/ Follow a career in conservation: https://www.conservation-careers.com/online-training/ Use the code SUFB to get 33% off courses and the careers program. Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3NmYvsI Connect with Speak Up For Blue: Florida's water quality issues have had a significant impact on the state's economy. In 2018, a water quality scare caused by changes in regulations allowed industries to dump their waste into Lake Okeechobee, resulting in harmful algal blooms and toxic red tide. These events led to the death of marine life, including fish, manatees, dolphins, and sea turtles, and the destruction of seagrass habitats. The foul smell and poor air quality caused by the decaying animals affected the health of residents and tourists alike. The tourism industry, which is a major source of revenue for Florida, has suffered greatly as a result of these water quality issues. Visitors come to Florida to enjoy activities such as deep-sea fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling, and beach activities. However, the presence of harmful algal blooms and the associated health risks have deterred tourists from visiting the state. This has resulted in a potential loss of millions, if not billions, of dollars for Florida's economy. A recent study conducted by the Captiva Conservation Foundation and other organizations revealed the economic impact of poor water quality in Charlotte, Lee, and Collier counties. The study estimated that harmful algal blooms and degraded water quality could lead to a loss of over $460 million in commercial and recreational fishing, over 43,000 jobs, $5.2 billion in local economic output, and $17.8 billion in property values. Additionally, property tax revenue could decrease by $60 million, and the value of outdoor recreation and quality of life could decline by $8.1 billion. The consequences of these water quality issues extend beyond the economic realm. The ability to enjoy outdoor activities, such as walking on the beach or kayaking in rivers, has been compromised due to the health risks associated with poor water quality. The decline in the manatee population, a popular attraction for tourists, further exacerbates the negative impact on the tourism industry. Addressing these water quality issues is crucial for the well-being of Florida's economy and its residents. It requires a concerted effort from government officials, environmental organizations, and concerned citizens. Monitoring water quality, implementing stricter regulations, and investing in projects and policies that improve water quality are essential steps towards mitigating the economic and environmental damage caused by harmful algal blooms. By taking action, Florida can protect its valuable tourism industry and ensure a sustainable future for its coastal ecosystems.
Direct download: HTPTO_E1564_FloridaWaterQualityCostingBillions.mp3
Category:Water Quality -- posted at: 12:00am EDT |
Mon, 11 April 2022
Smoking has been banned in most indoor public buildings and restaurants to increase the health of all people forcing smokers to move their habits outside but smokers now discard their cigarette butts on the street where they end up in rivers, lakes, and oceans. Therefore, more policies need to be implemented and enforced so that we keep the oceans clean.
Links: 2) https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0169534721002755 3) https://kwit.app/en/blog/posts/cigarette-butts-the-main-source-of-sea-and-ocean-pollution Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3NmYvsI Connect with Speak Up For Blue:
Direct download: SUFB_S1291_CigaretteButtsArealsoBadForTheOceansHealth.mp3
Category:Water Quality -- posted at: 12:00am EDT |
Mon, 26 July 2021
Florida is in a Red Tide event two years after its last red tide event. Hundreds of ocean species are washing up along the shore dead and rotting causing health problems for people with respiratory issues and killing the tourism industry. Red tide events happen when nutrients feed a species of phytoplankton in combination with the right sea temperatures (high temps) and lack of wind. The proliferation of the plankton population is toxic to anything that ingests it including sharks and other fish, marine mammals, sea turtles, and seabirds. There are two things that need to fix this situation: 1) work to reduce climate change (long term); and, 2) reduce the number of nutrients from industry (short term). Link to article: https://au.news.yahoo.com/insane-world-famous-tourist-hotspot-decimated-by-toxic-crisis-054312592.html Check out all of our episodes on www.speakupforblue.com Want To Talk Oceans? Join the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group. Speak Up For Blue Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakupforblue/ Speak Up For Blue Twitter: https://twitter.com/SpeakUpforBlue
Direct download: SUFB_S1188_MoreNewsOfFloridaRedTideEvent.mp3
Category:Water Quality -- posted at: 12:00am EDT |
Wed, 2 August 2017
SUFB 350: Managing Water Quality in a Rapidly Growing Tourism Industry in Mexico with Dr. Ed Hind-Ozan and Marisol Flores
Tourism in tropical areas that are based on Ocean services such as beaches, swimming, diving, snorkelling, fishing, and more are very popular in many places around the world. One such area that has benefited from tourism is Quintana Roo, Mexico. The area has seen an explosion of its tourism industry over the past decade as it has become a hot spot for North Americans and Europeans. However, the fast expansion of the tourism industry has caused some environmental problems including loss of habitat and a decrease in water quality. The local communities would like to improve their environment and a team of experts are working on developing a framework to provide the local communities with a way to better manage the environment in the face of tourism. Dr. Edd Hind-Ozan and Marisol Flores are a part of that team. They wanted to share their project with the Speak Up For Blue audience to make you aware of what it going on. Take a listen to the podcast as my guests describe their project, the challenges and the positive way people are participating in the project. Enjoy the Podcast!!!
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Direct download: SUFB_S350_ManagingWaterQualityToAccomodateARapidlyGrowingPopulationInTheCancunRegion_copy.mp3
Category:Water Quality -- posted at: 8:00am EDT |