NOAA cuts could harm Southwest Florida fishing economy, threaten red tide research

The White House this month recommended slashing NOAA’s budget by more than $1.5 billion, with a special focus on “climate-dominated research, data and grant programs.”

Fishing boats docked in Cortez on a sunny May afternoon. | Photo by Michael Barfield for Suncoast Searchight

By Alice Herman / Suncoast Searchlight

Sweeping cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration could imperil Florida’s multibillion-dollar fishing industry and coastal economy, industry leaders and scientists warn — a dire prospect for…