A bloom of the red tide organism, Karenia brevis, persists on the coast.
Over the past week, K. brevis was detected in 67 samples. Bloom concentrations greater than 100,000 cells per liter were observed in Manatee, Pinellas and Sarasota counties.
In Southwest Florida, K. brevis was observed at background to high concentrations in and offshore of Manatee County, background to high concentrations in and offshore of Pinellas County, background to high concentrations in and offshore of Sarasota County, background to low concentrations in Charlotte County and very low to low concentrations in Lee County.
K. brevis also was observed in Pasco County.
Fish kills suspected to be related to red tide were reported in Manatee, Hernando, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota and Charlotte counties.
In Manatee County, dead marine life was reported along Sarasota Bay in Cortez, along the Gulf in Holmes Beach, in Palma Sola Bay and in Bradenton along Sarasota Bay. Losses include pinfish, red drum, mullet, bass, catfish, tilapia, eel, crabs and clams.
Respiratory irritation suspected to be related to red tide was reported in Manatee, Pinellas, Sarasota and Charlotte counties.
For more information, go online to myfwc.com/research/redtide.
Water advisory effective Aug. 12
The Florida Department of Health in Manatee County issued an advisory Aug. 12, notifying the public of traces of red tide on the north and south ends of Anna Maria Island and at Palma Sola Bay.
“People should use caution when visiting the beaches,” the health department advised. “Some people may have mild and short-lived respiratory symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation similar to cold symptoms. Some individuals with breathing problems, such as asthma, might experience more severe symptoms.”
The department recommended people in locations where red tide is present:
- Not swim around dead fish;
- Not harvest or eat molluscan shellfish and distressed or dead fish;
- Keep pets away from water, seafoam and dead sea life.
Also, residents living in beach areas should close windows and run the air conditioner and people with chronic respiratory illnesses should avoid locations where red tide is present.