Copper waters signal dangerĭust from the Sahara Desert initiates Florida’s red tide blooms. ![]() But that starts with understanding how the blooms naturally form and how human activities intensify the deadly algae. ![]() If Florida, one of the places hit hardest by red tide, can find a way to mitigate its red tide blooms, then millions of dollars and thousands of animals’ lives can be saved. Nevertheless, these other types of red tide are just as toxic to marine life, and therefore finding a way to prevent or treat its growth is vital. Such blooms are found across the world - including the coasts of China, Chile, and the US - but Karenia brevis is almost exclusively found in the Gulf of Mexico. In humans, swimming in water or walking along beaches where there is red tide can cause skin irritation and burning eyes. As of April 6, there are reports of red tide at much higher levels than this along the Gulf Coast, with one location reporting over 1,000,000 cells per liter of water, and six locations reporting between 100,000 and 1,000,000 cells per liter of water.Ī single red tide bloom can kill tens of thousands of fish - leading to expensive clean-up efforts - and poisons shellfish like clams, making them dangerous to consume by humans and animals. Red tide can start causing respiratory irritation at just over 1,000 cells per liter of water, and at 5,000 cells per liter disrupts the shellfish industry. Caution tape blocks an entrance to the beach as Palm Beach County officials closed all county beaches due to red tide affecting coastal areas in October 2018 in Lake Worth, Florida. However, when the algae - which produces a neurotoxin, called brevetoxin - washes up and grows on the coastline at higher levels, it causes major environmental, economic, and health damage. Karenia brevis is present in Florida waters year-round, but it usually exists at such low levels that it has no effect on marine life or people, said Michael Crosby, the president and CEO of Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, an independent research institution in Sarasota. The bloom, which began in October, is now found across the southwest coast of the state. Last month, right when spring break travel was set to heat up, harmful levels of the algae were found across Pinellas County, home to the city of Clearwater, leading to the cancellation of festivals and sweeping beach clean-ups. Nearly every fall, the crystal clear waters of the Gulf Coast turn red due to high quantities of Karenia brevis, a type of harmful algal bloom. But a biological phenomenon known as red tide is putting spring break revenue and the health of locals and revelers alike at risk. These travelers bring in vital revenue for the Sunshine State, with one county alone, Pinellas County, raking in $13 million in tax revenue in March last year. ![]() This year, as in many past, millions have flocked to Florida’s Gulf Coast for spring break vacations.
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