We have no silver bullet to stop red tide. Let’s get that out of the way from the get-go. What’s more, because red tide is a naturally occurring phenomenon, one that’s been documented in our Gulf of Mexico for centuries, we should be wary of messing with the complex process that causes it.

But the disgusting experience and more devastating effects of the current bloom that’s plaguing our coast are not independent of human influence. That intersection of nature and man is where we can focus energy and initiative.

Science suggests red tide has been part of the Gulf’s ecological balance since before Europeans settled our Eastern seaboard. We know blooms start well offshore, as far as 40 miles, beyond the area impacted by land-based, human-induced nutrients. Research also suggests that iron-rich dust from Sahara Desert sandstorms might be contributing to this year’s unusually intense red tide bloom. Trying to reverse a natural process that starts miles offshore or stem dust storms that blow up an entire ocean away is neither practical nor affordable.

What is possible, though, as well as cost-effective, is stemming the human-caused pollution that can make natural red-tide blooms more severe, widespread and long-lasting. Like the one beleaguering our region right now. When water current and wind conditions combine in a certain way, naturally occurring red tide blooms drift closer to land, and it is here where they first encounter human influence in the form of nitrogen-enriched seawater. The microorganism responsible for red tide is known to thrive in nitrogen-rich environments, especially those forms of nitrogen that come from urban and agricultural fertilizer, storm-water runoff and sewage effluent.

The current red tide outbreak is well past the nuisance phase. Several of our nonprofit partners in human services have reported a spike in need because of the growing economic effects. National and international news reports of “apocalyptic” conditions at our world-renowned beaches surely will dent tourism further. This red tide has gone from noxious to devastating for many residents—and deadly for much marine life.

Eventually, the tide will turn, just as it did after past long-lasting episodes. When that happens, we also can’t afford to become complacent, to let today’s visceral feelings fade into dull memories. Acting on red tide and bacteria-induced beach closures should not be limited to times of crisis; it should be part of our everyday decisions and policymaking.

I’ve always loved JFK’s phrase “the time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining.” Likewise, we should act on red tide even when the water is blue.

Dr. Mark S. Pritchett is president/CEO of Gulf Coast Community Foundation.