The Red Tide Appears Again

In the water and on the beach

The red tide here is again in Florida. One of the signs of red tide is the appearance of dead fish and other sea creatures on the beaches.

Red tide is caused by a bloom of microscopic algae in the ocean just off the coast. Many algae species are involved, but the most well-known species causing red tide is Karenia brevis. The red tide begins in nutrient-poor water 10–50 miles offshore. When the conditions are right for the algae, it reproduces fast enough to outcompete other species in the area. The waves and the winds blow it from one area to another spreading the problem.

Red tide not only kills fish, birds, and marine animals, but it may cause health problems for humans also. Wave action breaks open the cells and the toxins become airborne resulting in respiratory and eye irritation.

Red tide affects the Florida economy in various ways. One of the tourist attractions in Florida is the beaches, so red tide off the beaches reduces the number of tourists. The shellfish become contaminated also, so the shellfish industry loses income during red tide occurrences.

We love our walks on the beaches. They are so close. But, for a few weeks, we will avoid our beach walks. Sad.

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