In an effort to combat blue-green algae, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the South Korea National Institute of Environmental Research have entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that strengthens international collaboration, mutual learning, and information sharing on harmful algal blooms (HABs). Under the MOU, Florida and South Korea agree to exchange monitoring and risk assessment data, share research publications, cooperate on the development of innovative reduction and treatment measures, and host joint workshops and trainings to facilitate these initiatives.
The new partnership is a significant step towards protecting Florida’s unique coastline and ecosystem – a mission that DEP Secretary Shawn Hamilton says “demands bold solutions.” The shared effort will not only shape Florida’s capacity to respond to and prevent future HABs but will benefit the scientific community as a whole, advancing cutting-edge solutions and broadening the portfolio of technologies that target such blooms.
