Red tides are natural phenomena and occur all over the world.Red tides are more devastating for affected communities due to the increased size and scope of red tides caused by agriculture operations and wastewater treatment facilities.Warming ocean water as a result of climate change causes red tides to be more severe.The state and national governments have the responsibility for preventing red tides.There are things that you can do to help stop red tides.If there is a red tide near you, you should take precautions to protect yourself and your pets.
Step 1: Pick up the waste from your pet.
Make sure you scoop and bag your dog's waste when you walk it.If you leave it laying on the ground it will be absorbed by the soil and sent to the ocean.The chemicals found in waste are fed by HABs.If you see pet waste on the street, you can either pick it up yourself or organize a community clean up.
Step 2: Don't wash your car in the paved areas.
The soaps and chemicals used to wash cars end up in the ocean.If you need to wash your car at home, wash it in the grass or gravel.The soaps and chemicals will be held back by the grass and gravel.It is possible to take your car to a car wash.The locations have drains and filters that collect the wastewater so it doesn't end up in the ocean.
Step 3: Use organic pesticides on your lawn.
Chemicals in pesticides are fed by HABs.Pesticides don't feed HABs or contribute to red tides.If you frequently fertilize your lawn or garden, make sure you use organic fertilization.mulch and compost build healthy living soil that is better able to support the Watershed.State and local government agencies and nonprofits may have lists of approved pesticides that won't cause red tides.
Step 4: Design a garden that is friendly to the ocean.
If you live in a coastal area and have a garden, you can transform it into an ocean-friendly garden to help prevent red tide.Ocean-friendly gardens use native and climate-appropriate plants and landscaping to help absorb and reduce rain.Replacing turf lawns with native plants and mulch can help reduce the amount of rain.Rain can soak into the ground if there are fewer paved areas.You can make a gravel driveway instead of a paved one.
Step 5: There are fish kills and distressed wildlife.
If you see a lot of dead fish, contact wildlife responders as soon as possible.Provide a detailed report about the fish or animals.You can submit photos or videos to wildlife responders.You can get in touch with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission.You can report fish kills to the FWC.
Step 6: Water should be used to protect the natural environment.
Wastewater can be reduced to decrease harmful chemicals entering natural waterways.Only running your dishwasher or clothes washer when it is full is one of the techniques you can use.
Step 7: Have cracks repaired immediately.
Wastewater may flow into natural waterways and oceans from leaking sewage tanks.The red tides can be worsened by the chemicals in this wastewater.A professional can come out and do a check on the system at least once a year.It's cheaper to preventative maintenance than it is to repair.
Step 8: You should check the bloom conditions at the beach before you go.
If there is a red tide in your area, you should not go to the beaches with blooms.You can find out which beaches are affected by local reports.If you're in Florida, you can check the algal bloom observations at thefloridadep.gov.
Step 9: Don't contact water that smells bad.
If there is foam or scum on the surface of the water, do not allow your pets to play in it, or enter it.There is a strong odor in water affected by a red tide.Do not enter the water if you see dead fish or other animals.You shouldn't enter the nearby water if you see dead fish on the shore.If your pet comes into contact with water with an algal bloom, rinse it with tap water.If your pet has been drinking water or licking itself, call the vet.
Step 10: If your tap water is not safe, use bottled water.
If red tide has affected the local water supply, your water provider or government agency will alert the public.Basic tap filters can't eliminate toxins from blooms.If there are reports of red tides in the area, it's a good idea to test the water on a regular basis.
Step 11: If you believe you have been exposed, you should consult with your healthcare provider.
Respiratory symptoms are the most common after red tide exposure.If you have asthma, these symptoms can be very severe.If you were playing in the water, you may also develop a rash.Your healthcare provider will be able to give you advice on how to relieve your symptoms.There are no treatments for HAB related illnesses.The treatment depends on the symptoms you have.
Step 12: Local guidance can be found about possibly contaminated fish or shellfish.
If the red tide continues for an extended period, fish and shellfish may become contaminated with toxins.Your local government will alert the public if there is a problem with fish or shellfish.Do not go fishing in areas with red tide.The fish are not safe to eat.Red tide maps can be used to determine where the condition has spread.Local markets and restaurants aren't likely to serve contaminated fish.Asking where the fish came from is a good way to make sure.
Step 13: If your pet shows symptoms of exposure, you should seek veterinary care.
Humans are more likely to die from exposure to HAB toxins than pets.If your pet is shaking or clumsy and you think it was exposed to red tide water, contact your vet as soon as possible.Pets can be affected by red tide toxins.
Step 14: Donate to nonprofits that care for oceans.
Organizations monitor and care for the world's oceans.You can help prevent red tide by donating money.More of your donation will go to the cause you want to prevent if you donate to smaller local organizations.Overhead and operational expenses are what larger international organizations have.
Step 15: Speak to elected officials about red tides.
If you live in a coastal area, let your representatives know about legal measures that can be taken to prevent red tides.Red tides have a devastating impact on the environment and the local economy.Encourage local representatives to pass laws that restrict the types of fertilizers that can be used and reward people for protecting the natural watershed and preventing water pollution.Red tides can be predicted and prevented by research and technology.
Step 16: Information about red tides can be shared with friends and family.
Use your social media accounts to spread the word about red tides, especially those who live in or frequently visit coastal areas.Personal commentary on how red tides affect your community is included in the science-based articles.If you live in a coastal area, you can organize local clean ups.A group could work on a project.Let your church or community group know how they can help with the effort to prevent red tides.
Step 17: If you want to help with the clean up, volunteer to monitor blooms.
Information on how you can help your local beaches will be provided by the local government.Monitoring programs focus on measuring and identifying red tide sites, while beach clean ups remove dead fish, animals, and other debris.If you're working on the beach, wear rubber boots and gloves and a long-sleeved shirt to protect your skin from exposure.Wear a mask so you don't get sick.Don't touch dead animals or fish with your bare hands.