WASHINGTON, D.C. — ​Red tide, and other algae blooms can have a devastating effect on the environment and even the economy. In Washington, lawmakers from Florida are getting behind legislation that would allow algae blooms to be classified as disasters eligible for additional federal aid. 

What You Need To Know

  • "Red Tide" is a name for algae blooms that can impact Florida waterways

  • The tide can greatly impact fisheries and tourism dollars wherever it appears

  • Representatives in DC are hoping to use federal dollars to combat the devastation

Pirate Water Taxi in Tampa often attracts hundreds of riders a day with its hop on, hop off service. 

But last year, when a leak at the former Piney Point phosphate plant triggered a red tide outbreak, ridership plunged. 

"Anywhere from 25 to 50% on our per cap daily tours, so that was a significant decrease in financial tickets," said Pirate Water Taxi President and CEO Troy Manthey.

He said the algae bloom did not just affect the water quality.

"We would have people come down and ride the board of taxis and then the irritability, their eyes running and their noses running and then they would just get off if anyone has any low tolerance for allergies and things like that," he said. "We had to rotate crew on and off and it just it just impacted everything we did."

A bipartisan bill​ in Congress would make damages and financial losses caused by "algal blooms" eligible for the same federal disaster relief available to businesses and homeowners recovering from hurricanes and tornadoes.

Congressman Byron Donalds remembers a red tide four years ago that had a devastating effect on his district in Southwest Florida 

"We were losing tourism, we were losing people going to our restaurants, to our businesses," he said. "We believe that this is an opportunity for communities to get disaster assistance when these things occur."

Last summer, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis resisted calls to declare a red tide state of emergency.

He said the state already had money budgeted and that making the declaration would send the wrong signal about conditions in the state.

"This bill would give more resources to the state, allow the governor to take greater action," said Rep. Kathy Castor (D) 14th Congressional District.

The bill's chances are not yet clear. There is still not a Senate sponsor, but Donalds said he's working on it. 

Manthey said he was hopeful about the bill's future.

"I certainly hope they do give it strong consideration because it is well needed," he said. "It has a significant impact on all of us businesses that work on the waterfront here."