Statewide Efforts
Governor Ron DeSantis directed the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to coordinate two task forces, focused on freshwater and saltwater algal blooms to immediately address these water quality issues.
Blue-Green Algae Task Force
Governor DeSantis took a major step forward in combating blue-green algae in Florida through the creation of the Blue-Green Algae Task Force along with the appointment of its five members. This task force plays an important role in protecting Florida’s water and water-related resources. Each of the task force members is a nationally recognized and well-respected scholar. Their collective scientific expertise and input figures prominently in DEP’s efforts to improve water quality throughout the state.
Red Tide Task Force
Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership the Red Tide Task Force, also known as the Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Task Force, was re-organized and received funding for the first time in more than 15 years. The Red Tide Task Force focuses on the causes of red tide and seeks to provide mitigation solutions, identify research needs and evaluate actions intended to address impacts from red tide along with other saltwater based algal blooms.