Why havent scientists solved the red tide problem in Florida?
There is evidence that red tides have always existed in Floridas waters. Scientists who study red tides globally consider Florida red tides to be unique because they are natural events which existed long before Florida was settled. In other areas of the world, red tides caused by different species of algae than in Florida have been linked with coastal pollution; however, not in Florida. There is often much public confusion on this issue because the term ‘red tide’ refers not only to blooms of Karenia brevis and other Karenia species in Florida but also to blooms of over 100 other types of toxic microalgae in other areas of the world, each with its own unique nutrient preferences, toxins, and ecosystem effects. Scientists compare Florida red tides with hurricanes. Both are natural phenomena of incredible complexity with great destructive capabilities. While hurricanes are related to weather patterns, red tides are related to weather patterns and water currents, seawater chemistry, and b
