Student Researches Risk of Exposure to
Red tide is an unpleasant but regularly occurring phenomenon along coastlines, including Florida’s Gulf Coast. Candidate Krystal Pree is working to find out the extent to which people who harvest fish and shellfish along the coast are aware of and exposed to toxins associated with ”red tides.” Her work at FAMU is supported under a grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)’s Educational Partnership Program.
Florida red tides occur canada goose outlet toronto factory annually throughout the Gulf of Mexico due to blooms canada goose outlet store from the particular canadian goose jacket marine microorganism called Karenia brevis, but it canada goose outlet sale is only one of various types of harmful algal blooms (HABs) that occur in Florida, Pree explains. At high concentrations, red tides can cause the water to become discolored with a red pigmentation, but depending on the type of algae present, the water can cheap canada goose uk also be brown, green or even yellow. K. brevis is one of the most serious HABs in Florida because it produces toxins called canada goose outlet store uk brevetoxins that have a detrimental effect on people, fish, shellfish, marine mammals, and canada goose outlet new york city Canada Goose Coats On Sale birds.
People who are exposed may suffer from skin irritation, burning eyes and respiratory problems. Toxins produced by harmful algal blooms that create red tides do not lose cheap Canada Goose their toxicity when fish or shellfish is cooked, so people who consume contaminated shellfish can experience Neurotoxic Shellfish Poisoning canada goose black friday sale (NSP). Symptoms include nausea, diarrhea, lack of motor coordination, and tingling of canada goose outlet canada fingers or toes.
Ms. Pree’s research seeks canada goose outlet in usa to canada goose clearance further understanding about canada goose outlet how people engaged in recreational fishing and shellfish harvesting become aware of occasions when incidents of red tide take place. Using interviews and surveys, Ms. Pree is looking to discover more about how fishers’ knowledge, beliefs, experiences, purpose for fishing, and characteristics may canada goose outlet play a role in their exposure when harmful algal blooms prompt closures of recreational shellfish harvesting areas.
Pree’s research canada goose outlet online investigates whether NSP is misdiagnosed buy canada https://www.londonbc.co.uk goose jacket cheap and under reported. Her findings could help devise ways to better canada goose outlet inform residents and goose outlet canada tourists in the future so that they can avoid being sickened. Pree is also researching whether certain population sub groups may be more at risk to exposure than others. Her research is based in in southwest Florida’s Lee County.
Pree believes that if there are more surveys conducted to understand the interactions between humans and the environment, as well as background knowledge provided to residents, then the risks of exposure could be decreased. Her project fits within a broader desire to focus her talents upon creating healthier environments, especially for low income and minority communities.
”Ultimately, I’m seeking to improve awareness about environmental contamination and natural resource issues, particularly those affecting low income and minority communities” Pree explains. canada goose outlet online uk Her future career canada goose coats on sale goals include environmental consulting, compliance and monitoring as well as teaching and mentoring at the University level.
