Mote and Partners Field-Testing Promising Red Tide Initiative Technologies
Mote Marine Laboratory is excited to announce that three promising red tide mitigation technologies have completed rigorous laboratory testing and received regulatory approvals to begin the field deployment research stage. These advancements mark a significant milestone in the fight against Florida’s and harmful red tide, Karenia brevis blooms, and offer a science-based path toward reducing their detrimental effects on marine ecosystems, public health, and Florida’s economy.
Red tides, or red tide harmful algal blooms, are a higher-than-normal concentration of microscopic alga that occur in ocean and coastal waters. In Florida, the toxin producing Karenia brevis is the species causing most red tides. Red tides in Florida have been documented since the 1700’s and can harmfully affect sea life, lead to massive fish kills, cause human respiratory problems, close beaches, and determinately impact shellfish, fishing, hotel, restaurant, recreational, and tourism industries.
To address this challenge, Mote partnered with the State of Florida through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to establish the Florida Red Tide Mitigation and Technology Development Initiative. This Initiative, is an independent and coordinated effort among public and private research entities to develop prevention, control and mitigation technologies and approaches that will decrease the impacts of Florida red tide.
Since its inception in 2019 in response to the devastating 2018–2019 red tide bloom, the Initiative has funded more than 50 external partners, supported over 40 projects, and examined hundreds of compounds and mitigation technologies. Among these, three are now in the field deployment testing stage, with several others advancing toward pilot-scale testing. Field trials allow for the collection of in-water data under field conditions, building upon the laboratory research with natural ecosystem components from Mote’s state-of-the-art HAB testing facility.
Three of the Initiative’s projects are in the field deployment stage (with several others to be considered over the next year) and nearing the implementation testing stage:
1. CLEAR
Principal Investigator: Dr. Dana Wetzel
CLEAR is a novel, naturally derived biocide developed by Mote’s Environmental Laboratory for Forensics. Harnessing the properties of natural plant-based compounds, CLEAR targets K. brevis with no environmental impact. CLEAR’s active ingredients are classified as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by the FDA, and studies show no measurable accumulation in the environment. The all-natural biocide degrades fully within half a day, ensuring its safety for marine ecosystems. Regulatory approvals from the EPA, FDACS, and DEP allow for rapid deployment of CLEAR in the event of a bloom.
Mote has developed multiple formulations of CLEAR to ensure versatility. Engineered particle treatments can be deployed on surface waters via vessel-mounted blowers, drones, or backpack sprayers. For underwater applications, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) or autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) deliver the liquid form directly into blooms. This liquid application may also be deployed sub-surface with a specially equipped boat. CLEAR-embedded dissolvable beads provide sustained protection for 30-60 days, ideal for canals, marinas, and other vulnerable areas. This multi-faceted approach ensures targeted and effective mitigation.
2. Xtreme
Principal Investigator: Dr. Rich Pierce
Xtreme is a natural, non-toxic water treatment product developed by Heartland Energy Group. Previously used for blue-green algae (a freshwater HAB), Xtreme has demonstrated significant effectiveness against K. brevis. Lab testing and mesocosm experiments at Mote confirmed Xtreme’s ability to reduce red tide cells and brevetoxins while posing no harm to marine life, including commercially important clams. Xtreme offers a natural solution that could help control blooms. This product is deployed by a large handheld sprayer.
3. Ozonix
Principal Investigator: Dr. Rich Pierce
OZONIX® is a patented, chemical-free water treatment technology that combines several processes to eliminate K. brevis cells and their toxins. It uses hydrodynamic cavitation (a process that creates bubbles in the water to break apart harmful substances), ozone injection (adding ozone gas to the water, which helps break down toxins), ultrasonic acoustic cavitation (using sound waves to create bubbles that break down harmful materials), and electrochemical oxidation (a process where electricity helps remove contaminants). These techniques work by running large hoses into the water that are connected to a trailer outfitted with a complex water system. Together, these techniques effectively address the red tide algae and its toxins.
This mobile technology has been used successfully in demanding industries for over 20 years and is now being adapted for red tide mitigation. Mote’s studies demonstrate that Ozonix effectively destroys red tide and toxins without harming marine organisms. With its mobility, scalability, and ability to rapidly deploy, Ozonix can treat large volumes of water, preventing blooms from expanding into severe outbreaks.
Mote Marine Laboratory’s Red Tide Initiative exemplifies a proactive, science-driven approach to tackling one of Florida’s most persistent environmental challenges. With CLEAR, Xtreme and Ozonix now ready for testing and deployment in open water, Mote is advancing solutions that offer hope for healthier marine ecosystems, reduced public health risks, and a stronger economy. “Our work through the Red Tide Initiative demonstrates the power of innovation, collaboration, and scientific rigor in addressing a complex environmental issue,” said Dr. Michael P. Crosby, President & CEO of Mote Marine Laboratory. “The technologies we are advancing will have a lasting impact on Florida’s environment and communities, and we are grateful for the continued support from the State of Florida and our research partners.”