Shortcomings in Health Communications within Brevard County Concerning Harmful Ocean Toxins

1. Shortcomings in Health Communications within Brevard County Concerning Harmful Ocean Toxins Zak Chester, Jeremy Gillow, Adam Lucey, Jenna Vogt

2. Purpose Statement The purpose of the report is to analyze current means of communication regarding the degree of ocean contamination and effectively improve and centralize this information.

3. Background K. Brevis • Globally, 60,000 cases of toxic seafood poisoning have been reported each year. • Although humans have been eating raw shellfish for generations, bacteria pose a greater threat today due to increased pollution of the waters in which shellfish live. • Sushi may also present dangers with roundworms, tapeworms, flukes, and flatworms that will penetrate the tissue of the stomach or intestines and be misdiagnosed as ulceration or inflammation. • Many types of pollution are dumped into the water Those most dangerous to humans include toxic waste, sewage input, and agricultural runoff. • With a population increase of 700 percent since 1940, two of the most harmful sources of runoff pollution were introduced-- petroleum products and nutrients from fertilizer and waste. • When these chemicals are exposed to sunlight, toxins known as algal blooms are created and become dangerous to humans because they are odorless, tasteless, and microscopic. • Red Tide is another common problem in Florida as it affects shellfish and causes respiratory problems for humans. • Residents have some control over these tribulations if armed with the proper information and advisories. NASA; Carmelo Tomas G.Toxicus mol.ch.wani.osaka-u.ac.jp/lab/murata/murata/achieve_engl.html

4. Findings • Toxins and pollutants cause unsafe conditions for humans. • 75.5 million people visited Florida in 2002, making it one of the largest tourist areas. • The water quality information available to residents and visitors, is cryptic and is not easily accessible. • There several groups that conduct water sampling. However, the information is not processed for the public. • The Marine Resources Council • The Fish and Wildlife Research Institute • Water Management District

5. Survey Results • The survey population consisted of 65 people. • Surveyed residents prefer public information reports that are very brief and clearly understood. • Water quality alerts should include problem areas and a short listing of pollutants or toxins found in each area.

6. Survey Graphs

7. Conclusions • Melbourne does not have sufficient means for communicating water quality information to the public. • The creation of a new information campaign will reduce the number of contaminant-related illnesses. • The sampling data to formulate alerts is already present through various sources; it needs to be compiled and distributed through the media.

8. Solutions • Prototype beach signs • Proposed warning sign and flag system for beaches • Proposed website • Gathers data from other sources and compiles the information • www.oceanpostings.50megs.com

9. Prototype Sign and Flag System

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