The Essential Image Source Foundation ("EISF") and START ("Solutions To Avoid Red Tide") have joined in an unprecedented partnership to produce a red tide high definition documentary on the Gulf coast of Florida. Additional partners and collaborators on the project include Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, Florida’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) and NOAA’s (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) Coastal Center for Fisheries and Habitat Research (CCFHR).
A group of leading scientists and researchers met this month to provide scientific support, filming opportunities and other contributions, led by Dr. Bud Cross, EISF Scientific Advisor, and Dr. Patricia Tester, Division Chief, Plankton Ecology, NOAA/ National Ocean Service.
The red tide that occurs along the Southeastern and Gulf of Mexico coasts of the U.S. (often called the Florida red tide), has and continues to have adverse effect on the health of our ocean and coastal communities. This natural phenomenon, caused by a single cell organism (Karenia brevis) was first reported in waters off the west coast of Florida in the 1840’s. In recent years, however, red tide blooms have occurred almost annually off Florida’s west coast, and can occur intermittently along the east coast of Florida (and across the northern Gulf of Mexico to and in Texas). While previously only a few regions of the U.S. were affected by red tides, virtually every coastal state has now reported major blooms.
Susan Sember, EISF President states, however, “The progress in red tide and harmful algae bloom research, early detection, monitoring, mitigation and management in Florida has captured the attention of the global communities. The accompanying passion for the health of our ocean and mankind, as exhibited by those involved, is also inspiring. Their unsung efforts are indeed a living legacy of Floridians' long history and tradition of ocean stewardship”.
Although the Florida Gulf will serve as the primary focus of the documentary, other red tide and harmful algae bloom research and events occurring in other parts of the country will also be included. The high definition format of the documentary and the EISF high definition media bank has attracted several film industry, corporate and community sponsors for the project. Locally, Firkins Chrysler, Tortuga Inn Beach Resort and Chiles Restaurant Group have recently joined as in-kind sponsors.
John Scott, EISF Tourism Industry Advisor and associate producer on the project also comments that, “The stunning and immersive nature of the high definition format will lend itself well to showcasing the beauty of the Gulf coast locations. The rich and biologically diverse marine habitats of the Gulf coast are, without question, a regional and national treasure to be protected. Tourism and visitor bureaus, too, have a vested interest in healthy coastal communities and their support is vital to this project, as well.”
Sember agrees and notes that, “This documentary is a positive and compelling story of scientists, researchers and private citizens dedicated to the oceans. It is a tribute to their commitment to the animals and people who visit and live there. It is also a captivating story of START and the power of private citizens, who as ocean ambassadors and advocates, make a difference every day. Lastly, it is a fascinating merger of science, film and technology that will educate and inform our audiences of the latest red tide research and scientific efforts.”
High definition education and outreach products, in addition to the documentary, are planned for targeted communities in the medical, public health, seafood, aquaculture, commercial and recreational fishing, tourism, K-12 classroom and resource management arenas, as well. Utilization of the EISF media bank and its high definition footage will be incorporated in the creation of these products.
The initial production of the high definition documentary began on August 17th. The documentary will be premiered at Mote’s Immersion Theater in Sarasota, Florida in 2008. Continue to visit our web site, along with START's web site at www.start1.com, for additional details and production updates.
For more information, see "Guardians of the Gulf" High Definition Documentary under EISF.org Projects.
Also be sure to check out the Behind the Scenes - Blogs "Guardians of the Gulf - 2008 USF/CMS Production Dispatches" & "Red Tide HD Documentary Production Dispatches"
