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Redtide

Background: Red tide is when certain types of microscopic plant-like organisms called alga "bloom" in high concentrations. Karenia brevis, the alga that causes most cases of red tide in Florida, produces a toxin that can affect the central nervous system of fish and other forms of marine life. In high enough concentrations, this algae bloom often turns the water a distinct color.

Red tides have been documented along Florida's gulf coast since the 1840s and probably occurred much earlier. In fact, Fish kills around Tampa Bay were mentioned in the logs of Spanish explorers. Due to the numerous factors associated with red tides, otherwise known as "harmful algal blooms" (such as winds, currents, & water temperature), it is difficult to predict the intensity and impacts of red tides along our coasts.

Human Health: No deaths of humans have been attributed to red tide, but people may experience respiratory irritation (coughing, sneezing, and tearing) when the red tide organism (Karenia brevis) is present along a coast and winds blow its toxic aerosol onshore. Swimming is usually safe, but skin irritation and burning is possible in areas of high concentration of red tide.

Seafood Safety: Shellfish (clams & oysters) should NOT be consumed in areas where red tide is present because cooking does not destroy the red tide toxin. But shrimp, crabs and fish can be eaten during a red tide because the toxin is not absorbed in the edible tissues of these animals (scallops can be consumed, but ONLY the muscle and NOT the whole animal). However, if a red tide is in the area, eating distressed or dead animals is discouraged because the reason for the animal’s strange behavior or death cannot be absolutely known. It could be something unrelated to red tide.

Resources:

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Red Tide & Harmful Algal Blooms

The Fish Kill Database for reports throughout the State

Frequently Asked Questions about the 2005 Fish Kill and Red Tide which answers some of our basic questions about red tide in a simple and easily understood format.