TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Governor Ron DeSantis announced that the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with South Korea’s National Institute of Environmental Research to enhance international collaboration on harmful algal bloom management and response, including blue-green algae. This MOU is an outcome of the trade mission Governor DeSantis led to South Korea, Japan, the United Kingdom, and Israel aimed at expanding economic opportunities and collaboration.
“Expanding Florida’s capabilities to respond to harmful algal blooms helps us protect our economy and keep our natural resources healthy,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Florida and South Korea have a strong economic partnership, particularly in the technology sector, and through this MOU, both partners will further ongoing research to combat harmful algal blooms like blue-green algae.”
Harmful algal blooms significantly impact Florida’s coastal economy and water resources. Both Florida and South Korea are committed to developing advanced strategies for preventing, detecting, cleaning up, and mitigating these blooms. This collaboration aims to improve the state's ability to manage future harmful algal blooms.
“Florida’s unique environmental challenges demand bold solutions, and international cooperation is a significant step in that direction,” said DEP Secretary Shawn Hamilton. “We remain steadfastly committed to protecting Florida, and I look forward to a productive partnership that will enhance that mission by collaborating with some of South Korea’s finest scientific minds in our fight against harmful algal blooms.”
“Through this partnership, we're not just sharing knowledge; we're forging a path to resilience against environmental challenges,” said Hanseung Kum, President of the National Institute of Environmental Research in South Korea. “The collaboration between South Korea and Florida highlights our deep commitment to deploying science and innovation in the battle against harmful algal blooms, ensuring healthier ecosystems for our communities.”
“I am particularly proud of this partnership, which signals our commitment to a wide range of science-based strategies toward keeping our waterbodies pristine,” said Florida Chief Science Officer Dr. Mark Rains. “This agreement will not only benefit Floridians and Koreans but also the greater scientific community.”
This MOU establishes a framework for collaboration involving mutual learning and sharing technology.
Governor DeSantis led an international trade mission in April 2023 meeting with economic partners abroad to expand both economic and technological opportunities between Florida and Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and Israel. Recently, Governor DeSantis also signed an MOU between Florida and the United Kingdom.
Upon taking office, Governor DeSantis created the Blue-Green Algae Task Force to address recurring harmful algal blooms in Florida. The state has also invested $65 million in innovative technologies aimed at mitigating their effects.