What is Florida red tide?
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Florida red tide is the generic term for a bloom of a microscopic alga (a plant-like organism) called Karenia brevis.
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| What causes a Florida red tide?
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| Florida red tide, or Karenia brevis, needs three components to form a bloom. The first is biology- the organism. The second is the correct chemistry (natural or man made nutrients for growth). And the third component is the right physical conditions to act as a concentrating and transport mechanism. There is probably not just 1 'recipe' to cause a Florida red tide bloom. Tests are being conducted to see if coastal nutrients enhance or prolong blooms.
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| Does Florida red tide, Karenia brevis, always tint the water red?
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| No, at high concentrations (called blooms) the organism may discolor the water red, light or dark green, brown, or clear.
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| How does the Florida red tide, Karenia brevis, kill fish?
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| Karenia brevis, or Florida red tide, kills fish by producing a potent toxin (called brevetoxin) that affects the central nervous system of the fish. The toxin can also affect birds, mammals, and other marine animals.
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| Are red tides new to Florida?
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| No. The first red tide was officially recorded in Florida in 1844.
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| How long does a Florida red tide bloom last?
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| Florida red tide blooms can last days, weeks, or months and can change daily due to wind conditions. Onshore winds normally bring it near the shore and offshore winds drive it out to sea.
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| Does red tide occur only in Florida?
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| No. Red Tides, or Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs), occur worldwide. Karenia brevis is found almost exclusively in the Gulf of Mexico but has been found on the east coast of Florida, off the coast of North Carolina, and recently in Delaware.
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| What are the common symptoms from breathing the Florida red tide
aerosols?
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| Symptoms from breathing red tide toxins are normally
coughing, sneezing, and teary eyes. Symptoms are usually temporary when red
tide toxins are in the air. Wearing a particle filter mask may lessen the
effects, and research shows that using over-the-counter antihistamines may
decrease your symptoms. Fewer toxins are in the air when the wind is blowing
offshore.
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| Is there a group of people who should avoid the beach during
Florida red
tide?
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| People with respiratory problems should avoid red tide
areas, especially when winds are blowing toxins near shore. If you go to the beach, take your short
acting inhaler with you. If you have
symptoms, leave the beach and seek air conditioning.
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| Can I swim in the ocean when there’s a Florida red tide bloom?
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| Most people can swim in Florida red tide but it can cause skin
irritation and burning eyes. If your
skin is easily irritated, avoid red tide water. If you experience irritation, get out and thoroughly wash off with fresh
water. Swimming near dead fish is not
recommended.
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| Is commercially purchased seafood safe to eat during a Florida red tide bloom?
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| Yes. Commercial seafood found in restaurants and grocery stores
is safe because it comes for Florida
red tide free water and is monitored by the government.
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| Do recreational fishermen need to be careful
during a Florida
red tide?
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Yes. They should follow these guidelines:
- Do not eat mollusks (clams or oysters) taken from Florida
red tide waters, as they can contain toxins that cause a food poisoning called
NSP (Neurotoxic Shellfish Poisoning).
- Finfish caught live can be eaten if filleted.
- Shrimp and crabs are safe to eat.
- Use common sense: Harvesting distressed or dead animals is
not advised under any circumstances.
Edible parts of other animals (like crustaceans) commonly called
shellfish (crabs, shrimp, and lobster), are not affected by the Florida red tide
organisms and can be eaten.
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