Red Tide, toxic algae blooms that can kill marine life and impact people’s health, is back in Florida.
Blooms of the harmful red tide organisms, Karenia brevis, have been found in eight counties along the southwest Florida coast: Pinellas, Hillsborough, Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee, Collier and Monroe counties. Fish kills related to red tide have also been reported, as well as respiratory irritation in multiple sites in Pinellas, Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee and Collier counties.
Background concentrations, meaning no effects are anticipated, were also detected in a sample from Destin Beach in Okaloosa County.
Harmful algae blooms, or HABs, are caused by microscopic algae that produces toxins that kill fish and make shellfish dangerous to eat, as well as making surrounding air difficult to breathe. The blooms have been reported in every U.S. coastal state, but are most common along Florida’s Gulf Coast.
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The ADPH advises people in the area of the red tide to:
- Avoid the area if you are susceptible to respiratory problems such as asthma or emphysema.
- Leave the water if you experience skin irritations while swimming or boating and rinse immediately with fresh water.
- If you experience nose, throat or eye irritation when exposed to the gulf mist, avoid the mist.
- Do not eat fish from the red tide-affected area that are lethargic, swim in circles or appear unhealthy.