Mark your calendars! The 2026 Spring Southwest Florida Small Farmers Network (SWFLSFN) meeting is happening on Wednesday, May 13th! We’re excited to announce that this year’s meeting will be held at Inyoni Organic Farm in Collier County. This event is brought to you through a collaboration between UF/IFAS Extension, the Rodale Institute, and Florida Organic [&#8230;]

<p><em>Mark your calendars! </em>The 2026 Spring Southwest Florida Small Farmers Network (SWFLSFN) meeting is happening on Wednesday, May 13th!</p>
<p>We’re excited to announce that this year’s meeting will be held at Inyoni Organic Farm in Collier County. This event is brought to you through a collaboration between UF/IFAS Extension, the Rodale Institute, and Florida Organic Growers (FOG).</p>
<p>This meeting will offer valuable opportunity to learn about organic production in Florida, connect with fellow farmers, and meet representatives from partnering organizations and agencies.</p>
<p>The meeting will include educational presentations from UF/IFAS, FOG, and the Rodale Institute, a tour of Inyoni Organic Farm, followed by a networking session. Lunch will be provided.</p>
<p>In the afternoon, participants will also have the chance to schedule individualized consultations with Rodale Institute specialists on topics such as:</p>
<ul>
<li>Organic crop production</li>
<li>Integrated pest management</li>
<li>Soil health and fertility</li>
<li>Organic and regenerative organic certification</li>
<li>Small farm management</li>
<li>Organic market development and access</li>
<li>Community food system development</li>
<li>Learn more about Rodale Institute consulting services here: <a href="https://rodaleinstitute.org/consulting/">https://rodaleinstitute.org/consulting/</a></li>
</ul>
<p>Thanks to FOG, Spanish translation will be provided to ensure the event is accessible and inclusive for Spanish speaking farmers.</p>
<p>Don’t miss this opportunity! This meeting is an excellent chance to expand your farming knowledge and connect with both local agencies and other farmers across Southwest Florida.</p>
<p>For registration and full event details, click <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-spring-southwest-florida-small-farmers-network-meeting-tickets-1983634150141?aff=oddtdtcreator">here</a>.</p>
<p><strong>Southwest Florida Small Farmers Network (SWFSFN)</strong></p>
<p>The Southwest Florida Small Farmers Network (SWFSFN) is a group composed of UF/IFAS agents from the Southwest Region that connects growers to a resource network focused on diversified and sustainable farming systems. We help established farmers and new or beginner farmers from the counties of Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Hardee, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee, Pasco, Polk, Pinellas, and Sarasota with any production, marketing, and management needs they may have with their agricultural commodities and help them solve problems to improve any aspects of their farms and product quality. For more information about the SWFSFN click <a href="https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/polk/southwest-florida-small-farmers-network/">here</a>.</p>
<p><strong>Inyoni Organic Farm </strong></p>
<p><a href="https://www.inyoniorganicfarm.store/">Inyoni Organic Farm</a> is a 6-acre USDA certified organic farm founded and actively run by Nick Batty. Tucked away down a dirt road in Northern Golden Gate Estates, Inyoni Organic Farm produces up to 50 different varieties of organically grown and harvested vegetables, herbs, flowers and fruit. With the warm Florida weather, the farm enjoys a long growing season from October to June. Inyoni Farm participates in multiple farmers markets in SWFL, Community Supported Agriculture (CSAs). Online sales, and a popular place for consumers to buy local, seasonal food directly from farmer. Visit to learn more: https://www.inyoniorganicfarm.store/</p>
<p><strong>About Florida Organic Growers (FOG)</strong></p>
<p>Founded in 1987, Florida Certified Organic Growers and Consumers (FOG) is a nonprofit leader in advancing organic, regenerative, and sustainable agriculture. FOG has played a key role in shaping national organic standards and continues to engage in policy development on organic certification, food safety, and emerging agricultural issues. Visit FOG website for more information: <a href="https://foginfo.org/">https://foginfo.org/</a></p>
<p><strong>About Rodale Institute</strong></p>
<p>Rodale Institute is a nonprofit organization founded in 1947 by J. I. Rodale to advance organic farming through research that builds healthy, living soils and addresses the long‑term impacts of chemical‑based agriculture. It helped launch the modern organic movement by scientifically studying and demonstrating natural farming methods that support soil health, environmental resilience, and human well‑being. Visit the Rodale Institute website for more information: <a href="https://rodaleinstitute.org/">https://rodaleinstitute.org/</a></p>
<p><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class="wp-image-5489 aligncenter lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="376" height="486" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/collierco/files/2026/02/SWFLSFN-Spring-2026--232x300.png"></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Check out the 2025 Fall SWFLSFN Meeting at ECHO Farms:</p>
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Mark your calendars! The 2026 Spring Southwest Florida Small Farmers Network (SWFLSFN) meeting is happening on Wednesday, May 13th!
We’re excited to announce that this year’s meeting will be held at Inyoni Organic Farm in Collier County. This event is brought to you through a collaboration between UF/IFAS Extension, the Rodale Institute, and Florida Organic Growers (FOG).
This meeting will offer valuable opportunity to learn about organic production in Florida, connect with fellow farmers, and meet representatives from partnering organizations and agencies.
The meeting will include educational presentations from UF/IFAS, FOG, and the Rodale Institute, a tour of Inyoni Organic Farm, followed by a networking session. Lunch will be provided.
In the afternoon, participants will also have the chance to schedule individualized consultations with Rodale Institute specialists on topics such as:
Organic crop production
Integrated pest management
Soil health and fertility
Organic and regenerative organic certification
Small farm management
Organic market development and access
Community food system development
Learn more about Rodale Institute consulting services here: https://rodaleinstitute.org/consulting/
Thanks to FOG, Spanish translation will be provided to ensure the event is accessible and inclusive for Spanish speaking farmers.
Don’t miss this opportunity! This meeting is an excellent chance to expand your farming knowledge and connect with both local agencies and other farmers across Southwest Florida.
For registration and full event details, click here.
Southwest Florida Small Farmers Network (SWFSFN)
The Southwest Florida Small Farmers Network (SWFSFN) is a group composed of UF/IFAS agents from the Southwest Region that connects growers to a resource network focused on diversified and sustainable farming systems. We help established farmers and new or beginner farmers from the counties of Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Hardee, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee, Pasco, Polk, Pinellas, and Sarasota with any production, marketing, and management needs they may have with their agricultural commodities and help them solve problems to improve any aspects of their farms and product quality. For more information about the SWFSFN click here.
Inyoni Organic Farm 
Inyoni Organic Farm is a 6-acre USDA certified organic farm founded and actively run by Nick Batty. Tucked away down a dirt road in Northern Golden Gate Estates, Inyoni Organic Farm produces up to 50 different varieties of organically grown and harvested vegetables, herbs, flowers and fruit. With the warm Florida weather, the farm enjoys a long growing season from October to June. Inyoni Farm participates in multiple farmers markets in SWFL, Community Supported Agriculture (CSAs). Online sales, and a popular place for consumers to buy local, seasonal food directly from farmer. Visit to learn more: https://www.inyoniorganicfarm.store/
About Florida Organic Growers (FOG)
Founded in 1987, Florida Certified Organic Growers and Consumers (FOG) is a nonprofit leader in advancing organic, regenerative, and sustainable agriculture. FOG has played a key role in shaping national organic standards and continues to engage in policy development on organic certification, food safety, and emerging agricultural issues. Visit FOG website for more information: https://foginfo.org/
About Rodale Institute
Rodale Institute is a nonprofit organization founded in 1947 by J. I. Rodale to advance organic farming through research that builds healthy, living soils and addresses the long‑term impacts of chemical‑based agriculture. It helped launch the modern organic movement by scientifically studying and demonstrating natural farming methods that support soil health, environmental resilience, and human well‑being. Visit the Rodale Institute website for more information: https://rodaleinstitute.org/

 
Check out the 2025 Fall SWFLSFN Meeting at ECHO Farms:
 









View this post on Instagram

















 
A post shared by Jessica Ryals UF/IFAS Extension Collier County (@jessicamryals)

Mark your calendars! The 2026 Spring Southwest Florida Small Farmers Network (SWFLSFN) meeting is happening on Wednesday, May 13th! We’re excited to announce that this year’s meeting will be held at Inyoni Organic Farm in Collier County. This event is brought to you through a collaboration between UF/IFAS Extension, the Rodale Institute, and Florida Organic […]

2026 Spring Southwest Florida Small Farmers Network Meeting Announced

Beekeeping 101: Getting Starting With Your First Hive in Collier County is a hands-on introductory course designed to help the new beekeeper learn the basics of beekeeping. This program is organized by the UF/IFAS Extension Collier County 4-H Youth and Agriculture &#38; Sustainable Food Systems programs with support from our Residential and Commercial Horticultural agents, [&#8230;]

<p><em>Beekeeping 101: Getting Starting With Your First Hive</em> in Collier County is a hands-on introductory course designed to help the new beekeeper learn the basics of beekeeping. This program is organized by the UF/IFAS Extension Collier County 4-H Youth and Agriculture &amp; Sustainable Food Systems programs with support from our Residential and Commercial Horticultural agents, and local beekeepers. The class has been offered since 2016.</p>
<h3>What You Will Learn in Beekeeping 101:</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Bee Biology</strong>: Understanding the lifecycle and roles within a bee colony.</li>
<li><strong>Beekeeping Equipment</strong>: Introduction to essential tools like bee suits, smokers, hives, frames, and more.</li>
<li><strong>Hive Management</strong>: How to set up and maintain a hive, inspect it for health, and manage the colony throughout the year.</li>
<li><strong>Bee Health</strong>: Identifying and managing pests, diseases, and other challenges related to the Florida environment.</li>
<li><strong>Honey Harvesting</strong>: Basics of collecting and processing honey.</li>
<li><strong>Regulations</strong>: Understanding the<a href="https://www.fdacs.gov/Agriculture-Industry/Bees-Apiary/Beekeeper-Registration"> laws and regulations</a> related to beekeeping in the state of Florida, as well as the <a href="https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN918">Florida Cottage Food Law</a>.</li>
<li><strong>Environmental Impact</strong>: The role of bees in pollination and how beekeeping supports local ecosystems.</li>
</ul>
<p>Students also get a chance to get do a hive inspection and extract honey. All proceeds for the class benefit our Collier County 4-H Youth Beekeeping program.</p>
<p><iframe title="Beekeeping 101 in Collier County" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5DYmWL3qS1Y?start=7&#038;feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<h3>Resources in Collier County:</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>UF/IFAS Extension Collier County</strong>: Contact 4-H Outreach Coordinator, Trisha Aldridge, our in-house beekeeper who can provide resources, and expert advice specific to the region.</li>
<li><strong>Gulf Coast Beekeepers of Florida</strong>: Local beekeeper group provides mentorship, support, and networking opportunities. They <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gulf-coast-beekeepers-of-florida-monthly-meeting-collier-county-tickets-752835269557">meet monthly</a> at the Collier County Extension Office: 14700 Immokalee Road, Naples.</li>
<li><strong>UF/IFAS Honey Bee Lab and Master Beekeeping Program</strong>: <a href="https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/honey-bee/">Honey Bee Research and Extension Lab </a></li>
</ul>
<p>If you&#8217;re interested in beekeeping in Collier County, checking with the resources above is a great way to begin!</p>


Beekeeping 101: Getting Starting With Your First Hive in Collier County is a hands-on introductory course designed to help the new beekeeper learn the basics of beekeeping. This program is organized by the UF/IFAS Extension Collier County 4-H Youth and Agriculture & Sustainable Food Systems programs with support from our Residential and Commercial Horticultural agents, and local beekeepers. The class has been offered since 2016.
What You Will Learn in Beekeeping 101:
Bee Biology: Understanding the lifecycle and roles within a bee colony.
Beekeeping Equipment: Introduction to essential tools like bee suits, smokers, hives, frames, and more.
Hive Management: How to set up and maintain a hive, inspect it for health, and manage the colony throughout the year.
Bee Health: Identifying and managing pests, diseases, and other challenges related to the Florida environment.
Honey Harvesting: Basics of collecting and processing honey.
Regulations: Understanding the laws and regulations related to beekeeping in the state of Florida, as well as the Florida Cottage Food Law.
Environmental Impact: The role of bees in pollination and how beekeeping supports local ecosystems.
Students also get a chance to get do a hive inspection and extract honey. All proceeds for the class benefit our Collier County 4-H Youth Beekeeping program.

Resources in Collier County:
UF/IFAS Extension Collier County: Contact 4-H Outreach Coordinator, Trisha Aldridge, our in-house beekeeper who can provide resources, and expert advice specific to the region.
Gulf Coast Beekeepers of Florida: Local beekeeper group provides mentorship, support, and networking opportunities. They meet monthly at the Collier County Extension Office: 14700 Immokalee Road, Naples.
UF/IFAS Honey Bee Lab and Master Beekeeping Program: Honey Bee Research and Extension Lab 
If you’re interested in beekeeping in Collier County, checking with the resources above is a great way to begin!

Beekeeping 101: Getting Starting With Your First Hive in Collier County is a hands-on introductory course designed to help the new beekeeper learn the basics of beekeeping. This program is organized by the UF/IFAS Extension Collier County 4-H Youth and Agriculture & Sustainable Food Systems programs with support from our Residential and Commercial Horticultural agents, […]

Beekeeping 101 Program at Collier County Extension

In fisheries management, setting the acceptable biological catch (ABC) is vital to ensure sustainable harvest without overexploiting fish stocks. The ABC determines how much fish can be harvested each year, and is estimated using a stock assessment model that brings together multiple data sources to estimate fish abundance and productivity.  However, in the Gulf of [&#8230;]

<figure id="attachment_4501" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-4501" style="width: 540px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" class="wp-image-4501 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="Photo by scanning electron microscope of Karenia brevis aka red tide. Courtesy of FWC" width="540" height="394" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/collierco/files/2024/06/K.-brevis-aka-red-tide-FWC-photo.jpg"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-4501" class="wp-caption-text">Photo taken from a scanning electron microscope of Karenia brevis aka red tide. Photo By: FWC. * Banner photo: A red tide killed snook washed ashore in Southwest Florida. Photo By: Chris O&#8217;Meara AP.</figcaption></figure>
<p>In fisheries management, setting the acceptable biological catch (ABC) is vital to ensure sustainable harvest without overexploiting fish stocks. The ABC determines how much fish can be harvested each year, and is estimated using a stock assessment model that brings together multiple data sources to estimate fish abundance and productivity.  However, in the Gulf of Mexico, red tides introduce a lot of uncertainty into this process. Ongoing red tide blooms can leave managers guessing about their impacts on fish stocks when trying to set the ABC. This uncertainty about red tide impacts can lead to lower catch levels for commercial and recreational fishers, resulting in a lower ABC and less opportunities to bring fish home. To learn more about the ins and outs of  fisheries management in Florida, check out the third education module in the <strong>FREE </strong><a href="https://ifas-seagrant.catalog.instructure.com/?filters%5B%5D=free">Florida Friendly Angler</a> online program!</p>
<figure id="attachment_4493" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-4493" style="width: 354px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-4493 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="354" height="186" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/collierco/files/2024/06/The-OFL-ABC-ACL-ACT-framework.jpg"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-4493" class="wp-caption-text">Framework of harvest limits used in fisheries management</figcaption></figure>
<p><strong>Red tides affect fish populations and ecosystems in several ways.  First, the brevetoxin released by red tide affects the central nervous system of fish and can result in large fish kills. Moreover, there are multiple sublethal and indirect effects of red tide such as low oxygen, impacts to benthic habitat, movement, and food web dynamics.</strong> Red tide could possibly alter the amount of bait/forage available for our prized game fish to eat and negatively impact the habitat where they live. In other words, a gag grouper that is exposed to red tide or poor water quality will have less food to eat, slower growth, and be less likely to survive, reproduce, and maybe one day be caught.  Combined with the fact that red tide doesn’t occur in the same place every time, with the same severity or duration makes estimating red tide impacts on reef fish species tough!</p>
<figure id="attachment_4497" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-4497" style="width: 407px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-4497 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="407" height="305" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/collierco/files/2024/06/Sheepshead1.jpg"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-4497" class="wp-caption-text">A sheepshead washed ashore from a red tide bloom in Southwest Florida. Photo By: Bryan Fluech.</figcaption></figure>
<p>To tackle this difficult task of estimating red tide impacts on fish stocks and helping make better informed management decisions, comes a new project that aims to a estimate and incorporating red tide mortality into the ABC determination for Gulf of Mexico (GoM) reef fishes. The “<strong><a href="https://restoreactscienceprogram.noaa.gov/projects/red-tide-and-reef-fish-modeling">Operationalizing the West Florida Shelf ecosystem model and application to red tides, stock assessment, and catch advice for Gulf of Mexico reef fish</a>”</strong> project was funded by the NOAA Restore Science Program.  <strong>The project team is developing satellite products to map red tides that will inform an ecosystem model designed to account for factors like the severity and duration of red tide blooms, their lethal and sublethal impact on fish and other marine fauna, and ecosystem dynamics.</strong></p>
<figure id="attachment_4499" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-4499" style="width: 583px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-4499 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="583" height="232" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/collierco/files/2024/06/Fig-2.-K.-brevis-bloom-frequency-maps-from-integration-of-water-sample-data-and-MODIS-satellite-observations.-Figure-adapted-from-Hu-et-al.-2022.jpg"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-4499" class="wp-caption-text">Bloom frequency maps from integration of water sample data and MODIS satellite observations. Figure adapted from Hu et al. (2022).</figcaption></figure>
<p><strong>In previous work, the ecosystem model was used to inform the ABC for gag grouper, resulting in a longer fishing season because the impacts on ongoing blooms were estimated to be lower than anticipated. </strong> The project team will refine the model&#8217;s inputs and extend its application to additional GoM reef fishes over the next five years. Furthermore, it will develop improved satellite-derived red tide maps and update biogeochemical models to estimate nutrient and oxygen dynamics. <strong>These model improvements will enable more precise estimation of red tide mortality rates on various reef fish species undergoing stock assessments.</strong> The project outcomes will be presented at workshops and incorporated into stock assessments, ensuring that the ABC reflects current red tide conditions. By operationalizing this modeling framework, fisheries managers can conduct routine red tide assessments, enhancing the sustainability of Gulf fisheries!</p>
<h2></h2>
<h2><strong><u>Where you can help!</u></strong></h2>
<h3><strong>Are you an angler, boater or beach goer living in Florida and wish to help researchers know more about red tide?</strong></h3>
<figure id="attachment_4745" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-4745" style="width: 450px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-4745 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="450" height="576" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/collierco/files/2024/06/Fish-Kill-Hotline-.jpg"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-4745" class="wp-caption-text">The web-based FWC Fish Kill Hotline form. Responses are also collected through phone by calling 1-800-636-0511.</figcaption></figure>
<h3><a href="https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/2485ecbeded748689725da57b1bc319a"><strong>Then please consider submitting data to the FWC Fish Kill Hotline </strong><strong>anytime </strong><strong>you experience dead marine life, particularly when red tide may be present! </strong></a></h3>
<p><strong>The Fish Kill Hotline survey tool used to collect general fish kill reports may be accessed via the hyperlink above or by copy and pasting this link into your browser:</strong></p>
<p><a href="https://bit.ly/FKHotline">https://bit.ly/FKHotline </a></p>
<p><strong>OR</strong></p>
<p><a href="https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1AOsyJqHCThEPb0">https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/2485ecbeded748689725da57b1bc319ahttps://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1AOsyJqHCThEPb0</a></p>
<p><strong>OR</strong></p>
<p>By calling <strong>1-800-636-0511</strong> and letting them know what you have seen!</p>
<p>Learn more about the <a href="https://myfwc.com/research/saltwater/health/fish-kills-hotline/#:~:text=You%20can%20also%20contact%20the,of%20fish%20kills%20and%20disease.">FWC Fish Kill Hotline by visiting their landing page here</a></p>
<figure id="attachment_4743" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-4743" style="width: 385px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-4743 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="385" height="362" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/collierco/files/2024/06/FWC-fish-kill-hotline-screen-grab.jpg"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-4743" class="wp-caption-text">Neat and helpful data generated from FWC Fish Kill Hotline responses. This information can assist managers know where kills are occurring, the magnitude of the damage and more which can help identify cause of mortality.</figcaption></figure>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Fish kills aren&#8217;t unique to red tide</strong>, there can be a number of causes how and why they can occur (low dissolved oxygen, pollution, storms/tidal surge, blue green algae); however for the project above, we are most interested in marine reports. Information researchers are interested in for <strong>this project</strong> includes: where did you encounter red tide? Did you see any dead/dying marine life? If so which species? Did your plans change due to encountering red tide? These and a few more questions can improve the models and help managers a TON by helping us determine how fisheries are affected by red tides!</p>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Have a question about red tide and fisheries management you would like answered? </strong><a href="https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1RZnQdqIrIeOgXY"><strong>Submit your question via this link here and check back to this blog periodically where selected questions and answers will be posted!</strong></a></p>
<figure id="attachment_4505" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-4505" style="width: 452px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-4505 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="452" height="338" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/collierco/files/2024/06/Photo-Kate-Spinner-Red-tide-Sarasota-Herald-Tribune-1.jpg"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-4505" class="wp-caption-text">A typical sight during a red tide bloom with both forage and game fish washed ashore. <strong>Help us</strong> determine which fish dying, where and when by responding to the reporting survey above! Photo By: Kate Spinner Sarasota Herald-Tribune.</figcaption></figure>
<h2><strong>Resources:</strong></h2>
<ul>
<li><strong>Red Tide Updates:</strong>
<ul>
<li><strong>There are plenty(!) of resources and educational materials created about red tide!</strong> Check the links below to find information on red tide monitoring, forecasts and beach conditions that you may want to add to your red tide tackle box if and when a bloom occurs.  <a href="https://myfwc.com/research/about/connect/subscribe/">The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) has a service where you can subscribe to to receive weekly email and/or text notifications on the detection and current status of red tide throughout the state.  </a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://member.everbridge.net/453003085614923/login"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class=" wp-image-4559 alignright" src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/collierco/files/2024/06/Naples-Red-tide-status.jpg" alt="" width="378" height="184" /></a></p>
<ul>
<li style="list-style-type: none">
<ul>
<li><strong>Collier County</strong> also has an automated notification system regarding red tide presence/status at county specific locations. <a href="https://member.everbridge.net/453003085614923/login">To sign up for theses updates check out this link</a><a href="https://member.everbridge.net/453003085614923/login">.</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li><strong><a href="https://myfwc.com/research/saltwater/health/fish-kills-hotline/causes/">Common Causes of Fish Kills in Florida</a>&#8211;</strong> Dead fish doesn’t always mean red tide, low dissolved oxygen, blue green algae, and extreme weather events can result in a fish kill. Check the link to learn more!</li>
<li><strong>Monitoring: </strong>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://myfwc.com/research/redtide/statewide/?redirect=redtidestatus"><strong>FWC Link to current red tide status throughout the state of Florida</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="https://visitbeaches.org/beach/49/report/41723"><strong>Mote Marine Laboratory beach condition reporting system for Florida</strong></a><strong>. Information regarding red tide presence with plenty of info on tidal and environmental conditions across many beaches within our state. </strong></li>
<li><a href="http://ocgweb.marine.usf.edu/hab_tracking/HAB_trajectories.html"><strong>USF Ocean Circulation Lab Red Tide Prediction and Tracking</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="https://coastalscience.noaa.gov/science-areas/habs/hab-forecasts/gulf-of-mexico/"><strong>National Centers For Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) harmful algae bloom forecasts for Florida and Texas</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reporting:</strong>
<ul>
<li><strong>Live on the west coast of Florida and would like to help researchers record observations during a red tide? </strong><a href="https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1AOsyJqHCThEPb0"><strong>Please consider taking this brief survey when you encounter a bloom near you.</strong></a></li>
<li><strong>FWC Fish Kill Hotline 800-636-0511 </strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Red Tide Fact Sheets:</strong>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://myfwc.com/media/12422/karenia-brevis-factsheet.pdf"><strong>Karenia brevis (red tide) fact sheet</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="https://myfwc.com/media/16370/2013-ecphab-brochure_red-tides-on-the-west-florida-shelf.pdf"><strong>Red Tides on the West Florida Shelf</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Red Tide FAQs:</strong>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://myfwc.com/research/redtide/faq/"><strong>FWC red tide frequently asked questions</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="https://coastalscience.noaa.gov/science-areas/habs/hab-forecasts/gulf-of-mexico/faqs/"><strong>National Centers For Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) Gulf of Mexico harmful algal bloom frequently asked questions</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="https://mote.org/news/florida-red-tide"><strong>Mote Marine red tide frequently asked questions</strong></a></li>
<li><strong>Blog: </strong><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/charlotteco/2018/08/14/frequently-asked-questions-about-the-2018-red-tide-bloom/"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions about the 2018 Red Tide Bloom</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Red Tide Seafood Safety/Fishing: </strong>
<ul>
<li><strong>Blog: </strong><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/news/2023/03/29/when-red-tide-hits-is-your-seafood-safe-a-uf-expert-answers-questions/"><strong>When red tide hits, is your seafood safe? A UF expert answers questions</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Red Tide General Info: </strong>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://myfwc.com/media/21885/bloom-historic-database.pdf"><strong>Historic frequency of red tide in Florida by year and month in Florida, FWC</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Videos: </strong>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1er085e7M54"><strong>Red Tide in Florida FWC Infographic Video</strong></a><strong> (4:32)</strong></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VRyW2C3yhg"><strong>Red Tide Facts and Myths Collier County Video</strong></a><strong> (26:32)</strong></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26l5I50KbL4"><strong>Red Tide and Seafood Safety FWC Infographic Video</strong></a><strong> (4:19)</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Peer Reviewed Papers:</strong>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20411030/"><strong>Literature Review of Florida Red Tide: Implications for Human Health Effects</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.int-res.com/abstracts/meps/v378/p171-186/"><strong>Effects of Karenia brevis harmful algal blooms on nearshore fish communities in southwest Florida</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0304380018304101?casa_token=CWsj_EO99pAAAAAA:0gpg-eCsFDqwSa6jxHokVVG0Yp6_gRJF8S93ClFyG_y2rARq-fZWlTPP4dc9Cjd5pj_HKU62TA"><strong>Effects of Karenia brevis harmful algal blooms on fish community structure on the West Florida Shelf</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-29327-z"><strong>Evaluating red tide effects on the West Florida Shelf using a spatiotemporal ecosystem modeling framework</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1568988308001571?casa_token=zKOrbpFokv8AAAAA:dD0iAZWpEDZ1oWsNR-2S_thvqsdw-kd9-go_8ptY3scuU70LkHUuir4tK-ZqllknBQN2CixMKg"><strong>Karenia brevis red tides, brevetoxins in the food web, and impacts on natural resources: Decadal advancements</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Blue-Green Algae aka Cyanobacteria and other HABs:</strong>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/manateeco/2020/07/14/resources-for-understanding-blue-green-algae-cyanobacteria-blooms/"><strong>Resources for understanding blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) blooms</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>General resources: </strong>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://water.ifas.ufl.edu/harmful-algal-blooms/faq/"><strong>University of Florida harmful algae bloom website.</strong></a><strong> Information of causes, effects, solutions and FAQs of HABs</strong></li>
<li><a href="https://www.protectingfloridatogether.gov/education-center"><strong>Protecting Florida Together</strong></a><strong>; website with information regarding red tide/blue green algae task force, habitat restoration etc.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;">				<iframe loading="lazy" title="Swimming Karenia brevis 10&#039;" style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;"  src="https://embedr.flickr.com/photos/44940561414" width="500" height="373" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<p><em>Karenia brevis</em> aka &#8220;red tide&#8221; cells swimming! These microscopic organisms belong to the dinoflagellate phylum of algae which have appendages that allow them to move around in the water column. The word dinoflagellate is derived from the Greek <i><span lang="grc-Latn" title="Ancient Greek transliteration">dînos </span></i><span lang="grc-Latn" title="Ancient Greek transliteration">meaning </span> &#8220;whirling&#8221; and Latin <i>flagellum</i> meaning &#8220;whip.&#8221; <em>K. brevis&#8217;s</em> unique motion helps researchers identify red tide cells from other phytoplankton and algae in a water sample.</p>


Photo taken from a scanning electron microscope of Karenia brevis aka red tide. Photo By: FWC. * Banner photo: A red tide killed snook washed ashore in Southwest Florida. Photo By: Chris O’Meara AP.
In fisheries management, setting the acceptable biological catch (ABC) is vital to ensure sustainable harvest without overexploiting fish stocks. The ABC determines how much fish can be harvested each year, and is estimated using a stock assessment model that brings together multiple data sources to estimate fish abundance and productivity.  However, in the Gulf of Mexico, red tides introduce a lot of uncertainty into this process. Ongoing red tide blooms can leave managers guessing about their impacts on fish stocks when trying to set the ABC. This uncertainty about red tide impacts can lead to lower catch levels for commercial and recreational fishers, resulting in a lower ABC and less opportunities to bring fish home. To learn more about the ins and outs of  fisheries management in Florida, check out the third education module in the FREE Florida Friendly Angler online program!
Framework of harvest limits used in fisheries management
Red tides affect fish populations and ecosystems in several ways.  First, the brevetoxin released by red tide affects the central nervous system of fish and can result in large fish kills. Moreover, there are multiple sublethal and indirect effects of red tide such as low oxygen, impacts to benthic habitat, movement, and food web dynamics. Red tide could possibly alter the amount of bait/forage available for our prized game fish to eat and negatively impact the habitat where they live. In other words, a gag grouper that is exposed to red tide or poor water quality will have less food to eat, slower growth, and be less likely to survive, reproduce, and maybe one day be caught.  Combined with the fact that red tide doesn’t occur in the same place every time, with the same severity or duration makes estimating red tide impacts on reef fish species tough!
A sheepshead washed ashore from a red tide bloom in Southwest Florida. Photo By: Bryan Fluech.
To tackle this difficult task of estimating red tide impacts on fish stocks and helping make better informed management decisions, comes a new project that aims to a estimate and incorporating red tide mortality into the ABC determination for Gulf of Mexico (GoM) reef fishes. The “Operationalizing the West Florida Shelf ecosystem model and application to red tides, stock assessment, and catch advice for Gulf of Mexico reef fish” project was funded by the NOAA Restore Science Program.  The project team is developing satellite products to map red tides that will inform an ecosystem model designed to account for factors like the severity and duration of red tide blooms, their lethal and sublethal impact on fish and other marine fauna, and ecosystem dynamics.
Bloom frequency maps from integration of water sample data and MODIS satellite observations. Figure adapted from Hu et al. (2022).
In previous work, the ecosystem model was used to inform the ABC for gag grouper, resulting in a longer fishing season because the impacts on ongoing blooms were estimated to be lower than anticipated.  The project team will refine the model’s inputs and extend its application to additional GoM reef fishes over the next five years. Furthermore, it will develop improved satellite-derived red tide maps and update biogeochemical models to estimate nutrient and oxygen dynamics. These model improvements will enable more precise estimation of red tide mortality rates on various reef fish species undergoing stock assessments. The project outcomes will be presented at workshops and incorporated into stock assessments, ensuring that the ABC reflects current red tide conditions. By operationalizing this modeling framework, fisheries managers can conduct routine red tide assessments, enhancing the sustainability of Gulf fisheries!

Where you can help!
Are you an angler, boater or beach goer living in Florida and wish to help researchers know more about red tide?
The web-based FWC Fish Kill Hotline form. Responses are also collected through phone by calling 1-800-636-0511.
Then please consider submitting data to the FWC Fish Kill Hotline anytime you experience dead marine life, particularly when red tide may be present! 
The Fish Kill Hotline survey tool used to collect general fish kill reports may be accessed via the hyperlink above or by copy and pasting this link into your browser:
https://bit.ly/FKHotline 
OR
https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/2485ecbeded748689725da57b1bc319ahttps://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1AOsyJqHCThEPb0
OR
By calling 1-800-636-0511 and letting them know what you have seen!
Learn more about the FWC Fish Kill Hotline by visiting their landing page here
Neat and helpful data generated from FWC Fish Kill Hotline responses. This information can assist managers know where kills are occurring, the magnitude of the damage and more which can help identify cause of mortality.
 
Fish kills aren’t unique to red tide, there can be a number of causes how and why they can occur (low dissolved oxygen, pollution, storms/tidal surge, blue green algae); however for the project above, we are most interested in marine reports. Information researchers are interested in for this project includes: where did you encounter red tide? Did you see any dead/dying marine life? If so which species? Did your plans change due to encountering red tide? These and a few more questions can improve the models and help managers a TON by helping us determine how fisheries are affected by red tides!
 
 
 
Have a question about red tide and fisheries management you would like answered? Submit your question via this link here and check back to this blog periodically where selected questions and answers will be posted!
A typical sight during a red tide bloom with both forage and game fish washed ashore. Help us determine which fish dying, where and when by responding to the reporting survey above! Photo By: Kate Spinner Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
Resources:
Red Tide Updates:

There are plenty(!) of resources and educational materials created about red tide! Check the links below to find information on red tide monitoring, forecasts and beach conditions that you may want to add to your red tide tackle box if and when a bloom occurs.  The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) has a service where you can subscribe to to receive weekly email and/or text notifications on the detection and current status of red tide throughout the state.  

Collier County also has an automated notification system regarding red tide presence/status at county specific locations. To sign up for theses updates check out this link.
 
Common Causes of Fish Kills in Florida– Dead fish doesn’t always mean red tide, low dissolved oxygen, blue green algae, and extreme weather events can result in a fish kill. Check the link to learn more!
Monitoring: 

FWC Link to current red tide status throughout the state of Florida
Mote Marine Laboratory beach condition reporting system for Florida. Information regarding red tide presence with plenty of info on tidal and environmental conditions across many beaches within our state. 
USF Ocean Circulation Lab Red Tide Prediction and Tracking
National Centers For Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) harmful algae bloom forecasts for Florida and Texas
Reporting:

Live on the west coast of Florida and would like to help researchers record observations during a red tide? Please consider taking this brief survey when you encounter a bloom near you.
FWC Fish Kill Hotline 800-636-0511 
Red Tide Fact Sheets:

Karenia brevis (red tide) fact sheet
Red Tides on the West Florida Shelf
Red Tide FAQs:

FWC red tide frequently asked questions
National Centers For Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) Gulf of Mexico harmful algal bloom frequently asked questions
Mote Marine red tide frequently asked questions
Blog: Frequently Asked Questions about the 2018 Red Tide Bloom
Red Tide Seafood Safety/Fishing: 

Blog: When red tide hits, is your seafood safe? A UF expert answers questions
Red Tide General Info: 

Historic frequency of red tide in Florida by year and month in Florida, FWC
Videos: 

Red Tide in Florida FWC Infographic Video (4:32)
Red Tide Facts and Myths Collier County Video (26:32)
Red Tide and Seafood Safety FWC Infographic Video (4:19)
Peer Reviewed Papers:

Literature Review of Florida Red Tide: Implications for Human Health Effects
Effects of Karenia brevis harmful algal blooms on nearshore fish communities in southwest Florida
Effects of Karenia brevis harmful algal blooms on fish community structure on the West Florida Shelf
Evaluating red tide effects on the West Florida Shelf using a spatiotemporal ecosystem modeling framework
Karenia brevis red tides, brevetoxins in the food web, and impacts on natural resources: Decadal advancements
Blue-Green Algae aka Cyanobacteria and other HABs:

Resources for understanding blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) blooms
General resources: 

University of Florida harmful algae bloom website. Information of causes, effects, solutions and FAQs of HABs
Protecting Florida Together; website with information regarding red tide/blue green algae task force, habitat restoration etc.
				
Karenia brevis aka “red tide” cells swimming! These microscopic organisms belong to the dinoflagellate phylum of algae which have appendages that allow them to move around in the water column. The word dinoflagellate is derived from the Greek dînos meaning  “whirling” and Latin flagellum meaning “whip.” K. brevis’s unique motion helps researchers identify red tide cells from other phytoplankton and algae in a water sample.

In fisheries management, setting the acceptable biological catch (ABC) is vital to ensure sustainable harvest without overexploiting fish stocks. The ABC determines how much fish can be harvested each year, and is estimated using a stock assessment model that brings together multiple data sources to estimate fish abundance and productivity.  However, in the Gulf of […]

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