News

PCGS expands its research on Red Tide in partnership with Mote Marine Lab

Dr. George Philippidis is the Associate Dean of Research and Director of the Sustainable Energy concentration

The Patel College of Global Sustainability (PCGS) is expanding its investigation of means to combat Red Tide, a harmful algae bloom that frequently plagues the southwest Florida coast. Professor George Philippidis and his team join researchers from the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium to develop technologies that can help mitigate Red Tide to protect Florida’s coastal communities and human health.

Florida Red Tides are caused by the microscopic algae species Karenia Brevis, whose toxins can cause death to marine animals and respiratory illnesses to people. Professor Philippidis’ team studies natural marine algicidal bacteria associated with Red Tide to develop a sustainable mitigation strategy. The project is funded by Mote through the Florida Red Tide Mitigation & Technology Development Initiative, an effort by the State of Florida led by Mote in cooperation with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The Initiative was established in 2019 when Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed 379.2273 Florida Statutes into law. This is the third round of projects selected for the Initiative through a competitive grant review process.

“We are pleased to represent USF in this multifaceted effort to contain Red Tide. Our focus is on exploring the ocean microbiome for natural bacteria that can help fight Karenia Brevis. Protecting Florida’s coastal environment is of paramount importance to all of us” said Professor George Philippidis, Associate Dean for Research at PCGS and Director of USF’s Biofuels & Bioproducts Lab.

For more information about the Florida Red Tide Mitigation & Technology Development Initiative, please visit www.redtidemtdi.org