Lovers of the beautiful waters of Southwest Florida may have recently heard those two dreaded words of summertime: red tide. Though the calendar now says fall, with continued rains and warm water temperatures offshore, the area is still vulnerable to the kind of algae blooms that lead to red tides.
The red tides that affect our part of the Gulf of Mexico are characterized by the presence of karenia brevis, a harmful toxin that occurs naturally in certain algae blooms.
One such bloom was first spotted two weeks ago off the coast of Sarasota County by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). This same bloom is now believed to have drifted south to the coastal area near Charlotte and Lee Counties. Indeed, the highest concentration of karenia brevis was found as recently as on October 11 approximately 9-14 miles west of Boca Grande Pass.
Such red tides are immeasurably harmful to a region dependent on both fishing and tourism. These algae blooms lead to discolored water, a resulting unpleasant smell, skin and respiratory irritation upon contact with humans, and countless dead fish from encountering the toxin.
Thankfully, most of these results have yet to become a factor, since the bloom is limited and still located well offshore. However, the FWC has reported mounting cases of dead fish surfacing in the Englewood area.
Scientists have yet to figure out the exact cause of karenia brevis, so it is unknown how to prevent it with precision. In this region, red tides tend to be a summer phenomenon and related to the influx of fresh water into the Gulf of Mexico and its estuaries.
The FWC will continue to monitor this algae bloom and report changing conditions to the general public. Those who plan to spend time in the offshore waters of Southwest Florida should follow these developments.
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