Testing Hypothesis Part 2

After conducting my last set of interviews, I determined that Red Tide outbreaks were a much larger problem then I initially thought. This made me want to find out more about how it affects individuals and the costs associated with its impact.

Who: During my first set of interviews, I determined that people living in coastal regions were the ones affected by Red Tide. However, in my second set of interviews I discovered that there were additional people affected by the outbreaks. I interviewed a set of individuals who visited coastal regions during Red Tide outbreaks and discussed the impact on their trip. Effectively the outbreaks ruined their vacation centered around the beach. This made me believe that tourism was one of the most important industries connected with these algae blooms. However, these blooms are most impactful around areas directly exposed to the beach. Therefore, communities that are several miles inland are not affected as much. This is a loss in terms of the number affected, but it helped me identify that beachfront communities are my target.

What: The impact of Red Tide varies throughout the population base on a variety of factors. My interviews identified a consistent problem with the elderly contracting pneumonia from exposure to an outbreak. I then identified that most elderly citizens are on medicare that is subsidized by the government.  This made me even more confident that I could convince the government to subsidize my project in order for them to save money over time. However, I noticed that healthy adults found it more of a nuisance than an actual medical problem. I believe it would be harder to sell it to the age group 25-50 years old.

Why: The elderly and children have weaker respiratory systems and therefore are more affected by the algae blooms. However, this could be a great selling point considering the medical costs of respiratory problems created by Red Tide.

Inside the Boundary	Outside the Boundary
People that are currently residing in or vacation in beachfront communities. Due to the spread of Red Tide, these could be along the east coast or Gulf of Mexico. Tourism was a big market that I identified in this assignment,	Individuals who live inland are not impacted by Red Tide in the same way. They just tend to avoid the beach when outbreaks are occurring. They can escape the impact because they are not directly exposed.
Need centers around the respiratory problems created by Red Tide. It also includes the financial loss of tourism declining.	There is not as heavy of dependence on the beachfront community. People who live further inland can continue on a regular routine.
Respiratory problems in the elderly and children are due to their weakened immune and respiratory systems. They have more direct exposure.	The lack of exposure decreases their risk for problems. Red Tide toxins cannot spread long distances in the air.