The red tide organism, Karenia brevis, was detected in 75 samples from Florida’s Gulf coast the week ending Feb. 9.
K. brevis was observed at background to low concentrations in Manatee, Pinellas and Hillsborough, Sarasota and Charlotte counties, background to high concentrations in and offshore of Lee and Collier counties and low to medium concentrations offshore of Monroe County.
The organism was at very low concentrations near the sites for the City and Rod & Reel piers in Anna Maria and at background concentrations in Longboat Pass.
Fish kills suspected to be related to red tide were reported from Sarasota, Lee, Collier and Monroe counties. Respiratory irritation was reported in Sarasota, Lee, Collier and Monroe counties.
For more information, go to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission site at myfwc.com/research/redtide/statewide/.
— Lisa Neff