NEWS RELEASES
Red Tide Strikes In Parts Of The Gulf Coast
Editor's Note: This news item was retrieved and first published through ABC Action News' website.
SARASOTA COUNTY, Fla. - ABC Action News reports on a red tide advisory in the Tampa Bay area that includes several beaches along the Gulf of Mexico. What is red tide you ask? Red tide is caused by an explosion of the dinoflagellate population in a certain area; one of the best know being nearly every summer along Florida’s Gulf Coast. In simpler terms colonies of algae grow out of control while producing toxic or harmful effects on people, fish, shellfish, marine mammals, and birds. The human illnesses caused by the "harmful algal blooms", though rare, can be debilitating or even fatal, according to the National Ocean Service. Being exposed to the red tide is a serious matter so make sure to heed warnings.
According to an article by Griffin Agnese and Joe Ashby on Maine Public, "Red tide cannot only be absorbed into shellfish and crustaceans and passes on to what eats them, but can outright kill the animal. In the case of Freeport Maine, when red tide strikes, it is detrimental to a coastal town's economy. Not only does red tide cease shellfish harvesting and hurt the economy, it stops all shellfish exports to those landlocked towns that purchase the bivalves. The toxin release is not lethal to humans unless large amounts are consumed, but it's best to stay out of the water and avoid eating shellfish to prevent neurotoxic shellfish poisoning during times of the red tide. According to Marisela Burgos from ABC Action News, she says Dr. Richard Pierce of Mote Marine Laboratory informs the public that the latest NOAA Advisory bulletin for red tide affected areas includes southern Manatee County all the way up to Northern Lee County and farther.
To read the full article and check the conditions at the potentially affected beaches, click here.
Education, Environmental Issues, Florida, Open Road, Outdoors