A bloom of the red tide organism, Karenia brevis, remained Sept. 30 in Southwest Florida, observed from Pinellas to Lee counties.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reported the observation of Karenia brevis at background to high concentrations in eight samples collected in Manatee County.
Additionally, the FWC reported: very low to high concentrations in nine samples collected in Pinellas County; very low to high concentrations in 31 samples from Sarasota County; background to high concentrations in nine samples collected from Charlotte County; background to medium concentrations in four samples collected from Lee County.
No samples were analyzed for Hillsborough or Monroe counties.
Fish kills affecting multiple species, as well as respiratory irritation in humans, were reported at locations along Pinellas, Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte and Lee counties.
For updates on red tide, go online to myfwc.com/redtidestatus.