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News Bites continued In the Wake of Red Tide
Generational Giving WELFARE In the spring 2019 issue of Gateways, we covered the red
Important Tips on Engaging
the Next Generation tide that had recently occurred in Sarasota Bay and how
in Philanthropy the dolphins studied by the Chicago Zoological Society’s
Sarasota Dolphin Research Program (SDRP) were affected. The red tide has been
Many people believe that finding a balance gone since mid-January, but the impact is still being felt and will for years to
between leaving an inheritance for their children come.
and donating funds to charity can be both As soon as the red tide hit, Dr. Randy Wells, director of the SDRP, and his team
rewarding and exhilarating. Here’s why… of scientists immediately began reaching out to anglers and boaters. One of
the biggest ongoing concerns for the team is the declining food base for the
When you allocate a certain amount of money approximately 170 resident dolphins in the area. The red tide further decreased
to your favorite charities, you are passing on to the fish population in the region by over 80%.
your family your own beliefs in how important
it is to leave the world a better place. Many Previous red tide along Florida’s west
families find that proactively and thoughtfully coast, as photographed from above.
involving their children now in their own (Photo credits: NASA image archives)
charitable legacy planning brings great meaning
to their philanthropy. It also helps to ensure that SARASOTA BAY
generational transfer of wealth has a positive
impact on the world around them. By mid-spring 2019, the SDRP team began to see the impact that the reduced
availability of fish was having. They noticed thinner dolphins, and, scientists
Sharing your intentions with family members and researchers were concerned the declining fish populations due to red
provides them with no surprises. It affords your tide would bring dolphins into closer contact with anglers. By the beginning
loved ones with the reasons you have chosen a of March, their concerns became reality. The SDRP team was asked by NOAA’s
particular organization. It also adds insight and National Marine Fisheries Service to lead rescues to disentangle, medically
meaning to your selection. Interactive dialog with treat, and release not one, but two dolphin calves injured due to fishing line
your family on your intentions now can decrease entanglement. Thankfully, both dolphins are recovering well.
litigation and other potentially difficult issues later.
Dr. Wells and his team are continuing to provide anglers and boaters with
What type of footprint do you want to leave? suggestions on how to best prevent these types of entanglements and
If you have included the Chicago Zoological minimize the risk to dolphins in the future. As information spreads and the
Society in your estate plans, we would love effects of the red tide diminish, dolphin entanglements will, we hope, decrease
to hear from you. For details on how you can and fish populations will eventually return to normal. But Dr. Wells notes it may
become part of the Edith Rockefeller McCormick take years for a full recovery of the ecosystem from the severe red tide.
Society call us at (708) 688-8392, email us at
EdithRockefellerMcCormickSociety@czs.org,
or visit our website at CZS.org/PlannedGiving.
10 GATEWAYS | NEWS BITES
