In Florida, the 'red tide' of toxic algae has begun: it can kill an animal and seriously harm a person

The so-called red tide currently covers the southwest coast of Florida. What you need to know about these toxic algae USAToday.

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The single-celled organisms that cause the red tide (karenia brevis) are capable of photosynthesis, like other plants, and can move through the water with the help of their tail. This is a normal natural phenomenon, these organisms can be found in the water all the time, however, rapid reproduction and a sharp increase in their numbers lead to problems that Florida has encountered. They produce a toxin as a defense mechanism.

Levels of single-celled organisms from Tampa Bay south to Marco Island range from 10 cells per liter to over 000 million cells per liter, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).

According to the FWC, fish deaths and respiratory problems in humans can begin when levels reach 10 cells per liter.

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Fishing in the waters near Collier County, where Naples is located, has been difficult in recent weeks.

On the state's east coast, water taken from Juneau Beach Pier on Feb. 15 tested positive for background red tide counts, but the numbers were so low that no adverse health effects were expected. It disappeared when a follow-up test was performed on February 22.

Is the red tide dangerous for humans?

When red tide toxin is inhaled, it can cause respiratory symptoms in humans such as coughing, wheezing, and sore throats.

The impact of the red tide on human health is not dangerous, but brings unpleasant symptoms: coughing, sneezing, itchy eyes and shortness of breath.

In water with a red tide, swimming is relatively safe for people, it will not cause serious disorders, but can cause a burning sensation in the throat and eyes and itching of the skin. However, for domestic animals and fish red tide can be deadly. If there is a dead fish in the water, then people are not advised to swim there, because the bacteria from its decomposition can be dangerous to health.

In marine life, it is a killer that attacks the nervous system and can cause paralysis.

What is the main cause of red tide and how long does it last

Red flushes are natural. They have been observed in the Gulf of Mexico since the 1800s.

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They can grow far from the coast in the Persian Gulf and congregate off the coast in autumn and winter when cold winds blow into Florida.

The red tide often subsides by spring, but in some years the infection lingers.

Is there a red tide in Florida right now

Samples on the west coast of Florida from Venice to Naples showed high levels of toxicity.

Fishing in Collier County waters has been problematic in recent weeks. Rhonda Watkins, environmental inspector for Collier County, said reports of dead fish are widespread. Medium levels have been found in the Florida Keys.

According to James Sullivan, executive director of the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute at Florida Atlantic University, it's possible that a stronger dose of red tide could hit Florida's east coast beaches.

Red tide hit Florida beaches in 2018

The constant red tide bloom continued throughout the summer and fall of 2018.

Tons of marine life have died off the state's west coast, leading to daily reports of "dead fish clearance" on Sanibel Island, where dump trucks full of dead fish were hauled away. Manatee, goliath sea bass, sandpipers and sea turtles died en masse that year in areas from Sarasota to Naples.

Are Florida Seafood Safe?

It is quite difficult to give an unequivocal answer to this question, but for most consumers who buy Florida seafood in other states, their use is most likely safe.

First, most fish and shrimp are caught far offshore, where there is no red tide. Even if the seafood was sourced from the affected areas, the toxins accumulate in the offal, and it is these parts that are removed before being sold. The FWC states that eating Florida seafood does not pose a risk to human health.

However, the agency's statement clarifies: "It is never recommended to eat dead or debilitated marine animals, especially in the red tide area."

Can a red tide on the west coast of Florida reach the east coast of the state

The west coast bloom can reach the east coast if it enters the looping current of the Gulf of Mexico and travels through the Strait of Florida to the Gulf Stream, a north-flowing warm-water river that laps the Palm Beach County coastline.

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Once in the Gulf Stream, the waves can cause the resulting toxin to disperse into the air, which can be carried by easterly winds to the beaches.

From 1972, when red tide carry from the west coast to the east was first detected, seven more cases have been reported through 2018, according to the FWC. These include 1990, 1997, 1999 and 2006. In 2007, the red tide bloom near Jacksonville moved south with the coastal current.

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