Brunch and Speaker

Brunch for the Bay   Sunday   March 3rd BYC

1200 -  Brunch Starts - Silent Auction

1200 – Mingle time, shirts for sale, raffle tickets for sale, brochures & pamphlets on the tables for people to review

1230 – Greeting  - Why Brunch for the Bay is needed?  – Where the money goes – What we have done to date, The future

1245 -  Introduce Environmental organizations

1300 - (1PM) Distinguished Speaker, Larry Brand, PhD

"Red Tide and Blue/Green Algae, Causes, Human Impacts and Health Consequences"

Our Speaker - Dr. Larry E. Brand, is a professor of marine biology and ecology at the University of Miami Rosenstiel School

of Marine and Atmospheric Science who is an expert in the ecology of algae and phytoplankton.(Ph.D. Woods Hole Oceanographic Inst./MIT, MA, USA, 1980)

Dr. Brand's interest is in the interaction of ecological and evolutionary processes in marine phytoplankton, how fast and to what extent phytoplankton populations and species are able to adapt to their local environments and the relative roles of environmental selection and phylogenetic constraints in influencing the evolution of various adaptations. Over a hundred species isolated from different areas of the ocean, representing all the major phylogenetic groups of algae, are maintained in the laboratory. Most of his research has focused on adaptations to trace nutrients and light intensity, quality and timing. Other research  include studies on the population genetics of phytoplankton, biotechnological potential of algae, nutritional quality of different phytoplankton species as food for animals used in mariculture, and field studies on environmental quality

What he will talk about at the Brunch

Larry Brand explains why this year’s red tide event on Florida’s southwest coast is the worst since 2006.

The worst red tide event to hit Florida’s Southwest Coast in more than 12 years is killing marine life in unprecedented numbers, as dead fish, sea turtles, manatees, and even the carcass of a whale shark have washed up on the beaches and clogged canals from Tampa Bay to the Florida Keys.

Pelicans, double-crested cormorants, and mallard and mottled ducks are also being affected by the toxic bloom, which started last October. And what’s worse is that authorities have said the wildlife found dead on beaches or on the ocean surface is only a fraction of the actual toll because most of the dead animals sink to the bottom of the sea. 

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration defines red tide, or harmful algal bloom, as a rapid growth of microscopic algae. Some produce toxins that have harmful effects on people, fish, marine mammals, and birds. In Florida and Texas, this is primarily caused by the harmful algae species, Karenia brevis. It can result in varying levels of eye and respiratory irritation for people, which may be more severe for those with pre-existing respiratory conditions such as asthma. The blooms can also cause large fish kills and discolored water along the coast. 

 Information on Red Tide this year

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1410 – Open discussion on issues, announce raffle winners

1445 – End of Program - pay for silent auction items

BYC Brunch Menu

Assorted Bagels & Muffins with Cream Cheese and Preserves

Fresh Tropical Fruit Platter, Domestic Cheese Display with Assorted Crackers

Lean Bacon and Sausage

Traditional Eggs Benedict with Hollandaise, 

Hash Brown Potato Casserole

Omelet Station

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