Algae blooms that create the "red tide" known for killing fish and tourism in Florida would become a focus of government study under legislation the U.S. House approved Friday.
Lawmakers voted 251-103 for the bill, which calls on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to develop a strategy for dealing with algal blooms and coordinate research on the subject.
The ocean studies could cost up to $34 million a year, with another $7 million per year for freshwater studies, although specific funding would be determined in later legislation. The goal is to monitor or control the outbreaks.
"Red tide is not a Florida problem. It is a national problem with far-reaching implications for the health of our oceans, lakes and waterways," said Rep. Connie Mack IV, R-Fort Myers.