Cannons Marina on Longboat Key recently donated the use of a 20-foot Grady White boat and 150 horse power Yamaha motor for the August production filming of a documentary on Red Tide, regarded worldwide as a highly toxic algae bloom. The ten day shoot of Gulf filming in August was the third production trip on the project and included numerous days of on-the-water filming. The Grady White boat provided a stable platform for filming while also providing the speed to facilitate quick trips to several locations and the maneuverability and design to access a variety of marine habitats. The documentary, filmed entirely in high definition, is intended to raise the public’s awareness of Florida red Tide, its impact to the environment and economy, and the current research into its possible prediction, causes and potential prevention. The documentary will be shown in early 2008 at Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium’s Immersion Theater in Sarasota, Florida.

The project is collaboration between The Essential Image Source Foundation and START (Solutions To Avoid Red Tide). Other project partners include Florida’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Coastal Center for Fisheries and Habitat Research. When completed, the film will be available to museums, aquariums, schools and to the general public.

“Red Tide has become a critical problem here on the west coast of Florida,” says Cannons Marina Owner David Miller. “Within the last few years we’ve seen the decimation of almost all sea life, although it is beginning to make a comeback. On top of that, because of the odor from the algae and the rotting fish, the tourism industry takes a huge hit and that is a major part of our economy here. We’re pleased to do everything we can to better understand why Red Tide happens and how it can be prevented.”

Cannons is sensitive to and involved in protecting the local environment. In 2005 the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, together with The Clean Boating Partnership, recognized the 52-year-old marina as a Florida Clean Boatyard and Clean Marina, one of the first in the department’s Southwest Division.

Cannons Marina is located at 6040 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, ICW marker 33, and specializes in boat sales, service and rentals. Cannons features Grady-White boats, Scout Boats and Yamaha outboard motors.

Photo by writer/photographer, Rusty Chinnis, at www.rustychinnisimages.com