The historic red tide that devastated our coastlines this summer has damaged not only the environment but also the local economy. We need to invest ample federal resources in researching the nature of red tides and searching for methods to control, prevent and mitigate it. The Consortium for Oceanographic Research & Education (CORE) - the nucleus of U.S. research and education about the ocean - testified before Congress that, "the proposed cuts would have devastating impacts on ongoing research of national and international significance, disrupt productive partnerships with other federal agencies, and threaten the viability of future science plans."

This is not the time to be cutting the budget for this important program, it's time to understand the science of red tides and commit to the future of healthy ocean ecosystems.