A bloom of the red tide organism, Karenia brevis, remains in Southwest Florida, according to surveys reported Dec. 9.
Karenia brevis was observed in very low to medium concentrations in samples collected from Manatee County.
K. brevis also was observed in Pinellas, Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee, Collier counties.
Fish kills were reported in Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee and Collier counties and respiratory irritation in humans was reported by Sarasota County.
The next red tide update was expected Dec. 12, as The Islander went to press.
For more information about red tide in Florida, go to myfwc.com/redtidestatus.