On Wednesday, U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Fla., announced that the National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded more than $1.7 million to Mote Marine Laboratory which has been playing a large role in helping the Sunshine State deal with red tide.
“Today’s announcement is great news for Mote Marine and our community,” Buchanan said. “Dr. Michael Crosby and his entire team work tirelessly to combat red tide, improve water quality, and protect our coral reefs. I remain committed to continuing my fight in Washington for Southwest Florida’s environment.”
The NSF will send more than $277,000 for a project under Dr. Erin Muller’s direction to research coral disease susceptibility.
The NSF is also sending $1.5 million to a project under Crosby’s direction to “strengthen well-prepared, highly-qualified students from underrepresented minority groups in the Sarasota area who pursue careers or graduate studies in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).”
Buchanan has scored some wins on Capitol Hill to help in the fight against toxic algae and red tide. Back in June, Buchanan was able to get his proposal to have the federal government do more to study red tide and its impact on Americans’ health through the U.S. House as the House passed his proposal having the National Institutes of Health (NIH) set aside $6.25 million to study red tide and toxic algae. Last year, Buchanan helped get $100 million from the federal government to fight red tide and toxic algae.
Reach Kevin Derby at kevin.derby@floridadaily.com.
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