Mote Science Café on Jan. 12
Did you know there’s life in the water that we don’t see? Join us for a casual conversation about phytoplankton, specifically the organism that causes Florida red tide, and how this small complex organism affects our lives.
Meet Jennifer Vreeland, Staff Biologist of Mote's Phytoplankton Ecology Program, and Vince Hernandez, Park Ranger at Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, to learn about their fascinating jobs during Mote Marine Laboratory’s free Science Café, “The Big Picture, From Land to Sea,” from 6-7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 12, at Libby’s Café & Bar at 1917 S. Osprey Ave., Sarasota.
Mote Science Cafés are casual, community-based discussions between scientists, community experts and the general public. Guests can ask questions and help the discussion develop in fascinating ways.
Vreeland and Hernandez will be speaking about phytoplankton blooms, such as Florida red tide, and its effects on the living community. Florida red tide is a higher-than-normal concentration of harmful microscopic algae called Karenia brevis. These red tides are known to form many miles offshore, sometimes causing no impact to humans. In other cases they may be blown inshore and cause respiratory irritation among beachgoers.
Each bloom is a complex mix of biology, chemistry and physical conditions, and there is no single way that blooms form. Continued research is critical for understanding the formation and inner workings of blooms.
Please visit us on Facebook at “Mote Science Café” for updates on the event. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., so come early to guarantee a seat. This event is free and open to the public, but it is recommended that you RSVP.
Please RSVP with this Google Doc form.
- Food and drink available for purchase. This event is for adults, 21 and older.