DEP Awards $10 Million for Innovative Technologies to Combat Harmful Algal Blooms

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) awarded $10 million in grants for 15 projects focused on mitigating the effects of harmful algal blooms, including blue-green algae. These projects will deploy and evaluate cutting-edge technologies to prevent bloom occurrences and implement treatment strategies to minimize environmental and economic impacts. 

“With this investment, we are enhancing our ability to take proactive steps to prevent harmful algal blooms and, if they were to occur, to respond to blooms more effectively than ever before, protecting both our natural resources and local communities,” said DEP Secretary Alexis A. Lambert. 

“Through our comprehensive regulatory and restoration efforts, we remain committed to reducing nutrient loading in our waterbodies and minimizing the frequency and severity of harmful algal blooms,” said Florida Chief Science Officer Dr. Mark Rains. “While progress continues, occasional blooms will still occur. The innovative technologies developed through this program are equipping responders with critical tools to mitigate their impacts more effectively.”