Mote scientists to test new method to mitigate red tide

Mote Marine Laboratory scientists will field-test a newly developed method for mitigating Florida red tide — elevated concentrations of toxic Karenia brevis algae — in the closed end of a canal in Boca Grande on Tuesday.

The method uses ozone to destroy the algae and its toxins inside a special system that releases no ozone into the environment and restores oxygen that is often deficient in Florida red tide areas, Mote said Thursday. The technology is designed for areas of limited size and tidal flow, such as dead-end canals and small embayments, where Florida red tide algae, their toxins, and resulting dead fish can accumulate.

The test is set for Tuesday morning and will be led by Mote Senior Scientist Richard Pierce.

Mote’s ozone treatment system was developed and patented, and is currently used, to remove Florida red tide cells and toxins from seawater entering Mote Aquarium and Mote’s animal hospitals on City Island in Sarasota.