Toxic 'red tide' hits Florida coast before spring break

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said the phenomenon may produce "toxic or harmful effects on people, fish" and other animals.

Una peligrosa — Voz Media / National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Published by

Verónica Silveri Pazos

9 de marzo, 2023

Topics:

Florida

The Florida coast has been experiencing high levels of toxic "red tide" for several days. This phenomenon is suspected to be killing fish and causing respiratory problems in humans.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said that red tide occurs when algal colonies grow out of control and develop into harmful algal blooms that can produce "toxic or harmful effects on people, fish" and other animals:

Harmful algal blooms, or HABs, occur when colonies of algae—plant-like organisms that live in the sea and freshwater—grow out of control while producing toxic or harmful effects on people, fish, shellfish, marine mammals, and birds. The human illnesses caused by HABs, though rare, can be debilitating or even fatal.

Particularly high levels of red tide have been detected off the coast of Clearwater, Sarasota, Port Charlotte and Bonita Springs, Fla. since last week.

Fish dead and people sick in Florida

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission received reports indicating "fish kills" and "respiratory irritation" in humans "suspected to be related to red tide" in southwest Florida.

So-called "algal blooms" can cause breathing difficulties in the air. However, humans rarely suffer from red tide-induced illnesses.

Local businesses are concerned that the red tide will scare away tourists coming to Florida for spring break. Starvos Godevas, owner of a Clearwater Beach restaurant, told Spectrum News 9:

I hope customers don't feel it that much. ... Obviously if the customer base is affected by it then business-wise I’m affected by it as well.