Florida Beaches See Red Tide Bloom

http://www.weather.com/science/environment/news/florida-manatee-sarasota-charlotte-bay-gulf-county-karenia-brevis-algae-red

During routine monitoring of Florida’s beaches, a slight respiratory irritation from red tide was noticed along and offshore of some of the northwest and southwest counties. 

According to Mote Marine Laboratory, the Florida red tide is a higher-than-usual concentration of the naturally occurring, microscopic algae, Karenia brevis. This type of algae produces potent and powerful brevetoxins , which have the ability to kill marine animals and harm humans. Sometimes humans can escape impacts because the algae forms many miles offshore, but when it travels inshore on wind and water currents, it can cause respiratory irritation among beachgoers.

As part of a year-round monitoring program, Mote is collecting water samples, reports the Herald Tribune. Early this month, elevated levels of toxic red algae were reported at “low” or “very low” concentrations, which was above normal background levels. Collections made on Monday and Tuesday revealed higher levels of “medium” concentrations. 

(MORE: Texas Red Tide Algae Bloom Kills Fish on Southern Coast)

Blooms of Karenia brevis were spotted along and offshore of the Bay and Gulf counties in northwest Florida and along the shores of Manatee, Sarasota and Charlotte counties in southwest Florida, reports the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) in a midweek red tide update. 

Mexico Beach in Bay County also saw extensive fish kills along with respiratory irritation. Respiratory irritation was reported at Nokomis, Siesta Key and North Jetty in Sarasota County. North Jetty also saw a fish kill. 

The National Weather Service issued a Beach Hazards Statement referring to the presence of red tide and its potential to cause respiratory irritation. It listed symptoms such as coughing, sneezing and tearing eyes, and warns that people with respiratory problems such as asthma, emphysema and other pulmonary diseases may be more sensitive. The hazard statement remained in effect through Thursday. 

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