MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. -- Not much change has been made when it comes to the heartbreaking sight of dead fish along our beautiful beaches. But experts are looking for ways to combat red tide.
- Solutions take negotiation in Florida politics
- Oysters seen as possible solution to filter water
- Gov. Scott signed executive order to waive rules for removal of dead fish
It is going to take some serious negotiations above water first.
"If we don't do something about it, will it get worse? Probably ... this is one of the worst blooms we've ever had," said Sandy Gilbert, President of the Solutions to Avoid Red Tide, or START.
The organization is offering one solution: oysters.
One oyster can filter 9-50 gallons of water every day, including these deadly waters.
"They really, really survive red tide really well," said Gilbert.
However, these shellfish can only do so much.
Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Bradenton earlier this year helped "increase funding by $8 million for NOAA to combat red tide."
The office for Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Florida, said, "Nelson is the chief sponsor of a bill that would set aside $110 million over five years for research."
Sen. Nelson's bill passed the Senate, but it was never adopted by the House.
Until that bill money comes through, clean-ups are only going to be the bandaid on a much bigger problem.
To expedite the process, Gov. Scott has signed an executive order that would waive any rules for the removal of the dead fish.