BACKGROUND AND DESCRIPTION

 

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute's (FWRI) Red Tide Offshore Monitoring Program (RTOMP) was established in 2000. The initial purpose of the program was to help FWRI scientists monitor and detect harmful algal blooms (HABs) in Florida by asking volunteers to collect offshore water samples. The RTOMP has grown over the years and now provides increased coverage of the Gulf of Mexico, early warning of offshore algal blooms, red tide event response, and partnerships with the marine community.

 

 

 

 

 

Because of limited state personnel, boats, and resources, the RTOMP relies on volunteers of all kinds—charter boat captains, commercial fishermen, private citizens, divers, and more—to collect water samples from offshore areas by boat. Volunteers are located in all areas of Florida. Most samples are collected from the Gulf of Mexico, as shown in this map of sampling activity in 2008.

 

 

 

 

 

Once the samples are returned to FWRI, they are examined under a microscope. Karenia brevis (the cell that causes Florida's red tide) and other HAB species are identified and counted. The data are entered into the HAB Historical Database and are reported back to the volunteers. Data collected by volunteers are used in conjunction with statewide monitoring results to determine red tide status.

 

 

The amount of time volunteers commit to sampling and red tide event response is invaluable. In 2007, volunteers collected more than 500 water samples and spent 197 days collecting those samples in response to a red tide in the northwest and southwest regions of the state. In 2008, volunteers collected 479 water samples over 210 days.

 

 

 

If you would like to know more about Florida red tide and other HABs, visit Frequently Asked Questions or other sections of our red tide Web site.

 

 

 

We would like to thank all of our volunteers for their participation in the Red Tide Offshore Monitoring Program. These individuals have been vital to the success of this program.

 

Volunteer of the Month

 

FWRI recognizes that RTOMP volunteers contribute significant time and effort in support of the program. In appreciation of this commitment and dedication, FWRI selects a valuable volunteer(s) each month to receive a Volunteer of the Month award. Take a look at past and present award recipients.

 

 

 

 

If you are an active volunteer, you may access the Volunteer Information Center here. You will need your login name and password.

 

 

NEW VOLUNTEERS

 

 

Red Tide Offshore Monitoring Program (RTOMP) volunteers are located throughout Florida. There is a continual need for volunteers to collect offshore water samples from all coastal Florida counties—especially the east coast and the Florida Panhandle. To see areas where volunteers are needed, visit Volunteer Opportunities.

 

Karen Henschen, RTOMP Volunteer    Coordinator

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our volunteers must be able to collect water samples from offshore (a minimum of 1 mile from shore or greater) once or twice per month. They may also be asked to collect water samples in response to a red tide event. All samples are sent to FWRI for analysis (sampling supplies and shipping costs are provided).

 

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, you may contact us for more information (RTOMP_coordinator@myfwc.com) or sign up using the RTOMP Volunteer Signup Form. Once you become an active volunteer, you will have online access to your service record news items, and more, allowing you to remain informed and involved in the program.

 

VOLUNTEER NEWSLETTERS

 

Red Tide Offshore Monitoring Program (RTOMP) newsletters are produced quarterly. Each newsletter contains articles of interest to volunteers, such as:

Check out this year's issues:

Newsletter archives: