PI: Dr. Lisa Krimsky, UF/IFAS Florida Sea Grant, lkrimsky@ufl.edu
Recap: Researchers are working to advance red tide communications by aligning practitioners (i.e. agency) needs with end-user (i.e. resident and visitor) wants by developing a better social science understanding of preferred red tide information, formats, and delivery modes.
Relevance: Harmful algal blooms (HABs) of the toxin-producing dinoflagellate Karenia brevis occur frequently throughout the Gulf of Mexico. Accurate and effective communication is essential for ensuring public safety and protection of the local economy. Participation and collaboration with stakeholders are central to the success of a statewide communication strategy that seeks to develop innovative educational approaches and messaging to better communicate and promote the use of science-based information in decision-making during red tide events. See: Media Release
Response: A multi-faceted approach to participatory research methods will be used to develop this communication strategy. Data collected via interviews, web queries, focus groups, and from new and existing public opinion survey results will be used to inform the development of a communication strategy comprising short-term responses to events and guidance towards a long-term educational campaign, with both approaches using multilingual and multimodal outreach materials.
Team:
- Dr. Lisa Krimsky, Florida Sea Grant
- Betty Staugler, Florida Sea Grant
- Chris Simoniello, Gulf of Mexico Coastal Ocean Observing System
- Nancy Montes, Florida Sea Grant
- Paul Monaghan, AEC/IFAS, University of Florida
- Forest Hecker, Florida Sea Grant
Results:
- SGR-140: An Annotated Bibliography of Karenia brevis Red Tide Communications Literature
- SGR-141: Usability Analysis of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Florida Wildlife Research Institute Red Tide Website
- SGR-142: Usability Analysis of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Algal Bloom Sampling Status Dashboard
- SGR-143: Usability Analysis of the Mote Marine Laboratory Beach Conditions Reporting System Website
- SGR-144: Insights from Natural Resources and Public Health Professionals on Key Elements of Red Tide Messaging and Modes of Communication
- SGR-145: Insights from Tourism, Media, Small Business, Hospitality Industry and Public Information Officer Professionals on key Elements of Red Tide Messaging and Modes of Communication
- SGR-146: Insights from the Public on Key Elements of Red Tide Messaging and Modes of Communication
- SGR-147: An Assessment of Florida Residents’ Communication Preferences for Red Tides: A Statewide and Regional Comparison
- SGR-148: Developing a Communications Plan for Red Tides in Florida
PARTNERS: UF/IFAS; Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI); Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC); Gulf of Mexico Coastal Ocean Observing System (GCOOS)
