The red tide organism persists in Southwest Florida, as Karenia brevis was detected in 52 samples the week ending April 25.
K. brevis was observed at very low to low concentrations in Manatee County.
K. brevis also was observed at background concentrations in Hillsborough County, background to medium concentrations in Sarasota County, background to high concentrations in Charlotte County, background to medium concentrations in and offshore of Lee County and background to low concentrations in and offshore of Collier County.
Fish kills suspected to be related to red tide were reported in Sarasota and Charlotte counties.
Also, respiratory irritation was reported in Manatee and Sarasota counties.
For more information, go online to myfwc.com/research/redtide.