“An Environmental Disaster”: Kelly Slater Raises Concerns on Alarming Situation in Florida

Surfing is among the most unique sports that humans partake in. Unlike most sports, surfing brings the athlete closer to nature. From observing how the seas and oceans change in accordance with the seasons, to coming in close contact with marine wildlife, surfers are often as passionate about the waves they surf, as they are about their sport. In fact, most surfers spend considerable effort raising awareness about the waters they surf. Eleven-time World Surfing League champion Kelly Slater is no different.

Besides supporting causes that endeavor to clean up and protect marine life, Slater raises awareness online. In his latest Instagram post, the most decorated surfer in the world, raised concern about an alarming situation in Florida’s waters.

Kelly Slater posts about scores of dead fish

Earlier, the world champion surfer shared a post on his Instagram stories. The post was a screenshot of the waters of Tampa Bay. At first glance, what looks like bubbling surf on the water is something much worse. “This is floating, dead fish,” Kelly Slater wrote in the caption. Instagram user Capt. Dustin Pack uploaded the pictures on July 10, 2021.

While the post might be a year old, the problem has returned. “Florida water regulation/red tide/agricultural/runoff issues need to be taken very seriously and handled properly,” explained Slater. The “red tide” that Slater mentioned in his caption has been ravaging the Western coast of Florida for weeks.

According to a report by The Washington Post, red tide is a phenomenon that affects the waters of the southern coast of Texas and the western coast of Florida. “This year, the red wave came early,” says the March 6 report. However, Slater believes that not just harmful red algae but toxic chemicals from agricultural runoff are also to blame.

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“Would love to see @flgovrondesantis addressing this situation. This continues to be an environmental disaster in our state year after year,” wrote Slater in his Instagram story and urged Florida residents to share his post, tagging their local politicians. However, you could be wondering, how can algae kill countless fish?

What is red tide? Why is it harmful?

According to Richard Stumpf, an oceanographer at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, toxic red algae accumulate in waters offshore and move toward the shore. Known as Karenia brevis, when a large number of these algae accumulate, they turn the water red. Hence the name red tide.

According to Stumpf, these algae release toxins that paralyze the fish’s gills. Unable to breathe, scores of fish die, float to the surface and wash up on beaches. However, the harmful red algae can also cause problems for humans. According to the oceanographer, coming in the proximity of the toxins can cause cold-like symptoms, irritation inside the throat, and respiratory issues.

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It’s no wonder that as a surfer and someone who cares deeply for the environment, Slater wants everyone to spread the word and find a way to control the problem.