(Photo Courtesy of Clean Water Network of Florida)

Friday, February 8, from 9 to 11 a.m. in the Suncoast Auditorium of Englewood Hospital, West-coasters can participate as leading scientific researchers discuss toxic and nuisance algae as part of "Seeing Red Along the Gulf Coast." The event is free to the public.

Presenters of note include Dr. Brian LaPointe of Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution, who will discuss "red drift algae" and its relationship to coastal nutrients. Also, Dr. Patricia Tester, of the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), will discuss current research and issues relating to Florida's red tide.

The public can pose questions to these authorities on the current state of the research. From this, the forum hopes to educate the public on how they can take action to protect Florida's Gulf Coast. Also, learn how citizens and organizations can proactively support research, and local, state and federal efforts, to maintain and improve water quality along the Sunset Coast.

Check out Conservation Front in the March issue of Florida Sportsman magazine to read in-depth coverage on the latest red tide issues afflicting our state.

The community forum on coastal issues is sponsored by the Sierra Club and Solutions to Avoid Red Tide (START). For more information, contact Cris Costello of Sierra Club at (941) 951-6084, or Jill Copeland of START at (941) 747-5656.