A bloom of the red tide organism, Karenia brevis, lingers in Southwest Florida, according to surveys reported Nov. 17.
Karenia brevis was observed in very low to high concentrations in 17 samples collected from Manatee County.
- brevis also was observed in Pinellas, Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee, Collier counties.
Fish kills affecting were reported offshore of Lee, Charlotte and Sarasota counties and respiratory irritation was reported in Sarasota and Lee counties.
The next red tide update was expected Nov. 21, as The Islander went to press.
For more information about red tide in Florida, go to myfwc.com/redtidestatus.