![]() ![]() NASA The runoff from Hurricane Ian into the Gulf of Mexico is clearly visible in this picture taken by a NASA satellite in spaceĬhemical processes between the saltwater and all the stuff in the runoff breaks things down into various microscopic nutrients that become a dominant feature of the seawater, where there is always background concentrations of K. Nitrogen and phosphorus from fertilizers human waste from many of the region’s 100,000-plus antiquated septic systems that were inundated animal feces lawn clippings it all flows from those streams and rivers into the bays that mix with the Gulf of Mexico. The ground scrubbing done by the massive amount of rain, storm surge, and flood waters from hurricanes like Ian washed a sick mess of pollutants into streams and rivers. A pair of otherwise unrelated research projects found that, while the organism that causes red tide is always present in the Gulf of Mexico, if nature decides it’s time for a bloom the influx of nutrient pollution “feeds” it, which allows the bloom to making it last longer and be stronger. Local charter captains and coastal environmental groups say anecdotal evidence is enough for them: the massive red tide that lasted from 2017 to 2019 followed hurricanes Irma and Maria.Īnd scientific evidence is mounting as well. There is a lot of not-so-quiet resignation in the seven weeks since Hurricane Ian that red tide would follow. Do not harvest or eat molluscan shellfish or distressed or dead fish from this location. If your pet swims in waters with red tide, wash it as soon as possible. Keep pets and livestock away and out of the water, sea foam and dead sea life. Those with chronic respiratory problems should be especially cautious and stay away … as red tide can affect your breathing. Wash your skin and clothing with soap and fresh water if you have had recent contact with red tide. “Stay away from the water,” a Charlotte County health advisory warned. The red tide is so prevalent, so pungent, and so potentially poisonous that the authors of the health advisories ignored the long-established practice of softening the language to avoid scaring away tourists. Earlier this month, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission found the red tide organism, Karenia brevis, in nearly 100 samples throughout Southwest Florida.įlorida Department of Health officials in Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee, and Collier counties, taken as a group, are issuing health alerts daily warning of the real and present danger to human and animals. Red tide was detected at every beach in Sarasota County soon after Hurricane Ian made landfall near Fort Myers in late September. An FWC biologist will return the call to get additional details as well as the picture, if available.From Tampa Bay south to Ten Thousand Islands, local groups and state agencies that test for and track red tide are warning that the harmful algae that kills fish, sickens dogs, and whose acrid air chase people off the beach is here. and 2:00 p.m.)įor manatees, dolphins, whales and marine turtles, please report by using the FWC Hotline at 1-88.īe prepared to describe the location of the animal and take a picture, if possible. Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resourcesįlorida Department of Environmental Protection In some red tides, dead fish wash ashore during these conditions it is advised that beachgoers avoid swimming in water where dead fish are present. They have also reported eye irritation from the sea foam. Some swimmers experience skin irritation and rashes after swimming in waters with a severe red tide. Persons with asthma are advised to bring their inhaler to the beach during a red tide or avoid the area until conditions improve. If you have ever visited a beach during a red tide, you may have experienced the "red tide tickle" which can include itchy throat and coughing.īrevetoxins, chemicals produced by Florida red tide, may also irritate pre-existing respiratory conditions including asthma. One of the most frequent symptoms people experience during a Karenia brevis red tide is respiratory irritation. However, when red tides travel inshore on wind and water currents, they can cause respiratory irritation among beachgoers, especially those who have underlying lung diseases. Red tides form many miles offshore, sometimes causing no impact to humans. It produces brevetoxins - powerful and potent neurotoxins - that can kill marine animals and be harmful to humans. Commercial Recreation and Tour Operator Concessionairesįlorida red tide is a higher-than-normal concentration of a naturally occurring, microscopic algae called Karenia brevis, often abbreviated as K. ![]() Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Accessibility +.Commemorative Picnic Table and Bench Program.Volunteer at a Park, Beach or for Events.Ed Smith Sports Complex / Baltimore Orioles.BMX Supercross at Youth Athletic Complex.Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources. ![]()
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