In 2020, the GOMA Water Resources Team worked with economists from the Balmoral Group to understand the financial effects of the 2017-2019 Florida harmful algal bloom (HAB) event. These economic data are highly relevant as Florida has been impacted by another significant HAB event this summer.
Results from the project included information on tourism, housing sales, and fishing activity as well as an analysis of Google search trends and social media posts about red tide. For example, news stories and social media shares affected customer behavior (cancellation of hotel rooms, dinner reservations, and fishing trips) even when no red tide was present based on water sampling data. View the economic data dashboard and read the final project report to learn more.
This project was supported by Freeport McMoRan through GOMA’s Gulf Star Program.