Chamber, SCCF to take part in red tide briefing panel
Sanibel and Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce President John Lai has been chosen as a panelist for a red tide briefing on Sept. 27, hosted by the Ocean Conservancy and Citizens’ Climate Lobby.
He will be joined by Rae Ann Wessel, natural resources policy director for the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation, and a Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium scientist.
“John Lai has become an indispensable partner in addressing the water crisis our region has been suffering through this year,” Wessel said. “The power of our partnership linking science and business communities has been recognized and will be further highlighted next week on Capitol Hill when we testify together at a red tide briefing.”
The Florida House and Senate delegations, relevant House and Senate committees, Gulf Coast congressional offices, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and a small number of Washington, D.C., ocean organizations will be in attendance.
The briefing is being sponsored by U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson.
The chamber has taken an integral role in bringing awareness to the water issues plaguing the islands and their economies. Input has been provided through calls with Gov. Rick Scott, Nelson and U.S. Rep. Francis Rooney, as well as meetings with organizations like the Everglades Foundation.
Monthly round-table events hosted by the chamber have provided members with the scientific, technical and policy understanding of the causes, solutions and actions required to effect changes.
“John’s engagement of the business community in water issues has elevated the chamber’s role in preventing these economic and ecological disasters in the eyes of elected and appointed decision makers,” Wessel said.
Red tide is a naturally occurring algal bloom, but in high concentrations can color the water with a brown or red hue, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. In Southwest Florida, the harmful algal bloom has been unusually strong, lasting about 10 months. It is one of the longest since 2006, when a red tide lasted 17 months.
“It is my hope the chamber will be a part of the water quality solution,” Lai said. “These issues cannot be ignored.”