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The red tide is rising again in the Gulf of Mexico off Anna Maria Island, according to today's report from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
The September 7th report shows that the red tide levels are 5% to 25% higher than last week.
Low red tide concentrations were found in water samples collected at Rod & Reel Pier at Anna Maria. Mean concentrations were found in the waters of Longboat Pass and Cortez Beach, both on Bradenton Beach, and background concentrations were found on the Palma Sola Bay Bridge.
The background concentrations of red tide do not cause any anticipated effects. Low concentrations may cause respiratory irritation, closures of shellfish crops and possible death of fish. Medium concentrations may cause respiratory irritation, closures of shellfish crops and probable death of fish. High levels can cause all of the above, as well as a discoloration of the water.
Respiratory irritation was reported from August 30 to September 5 in Coquina Beach (Bradenton Beach) and from August 30 to September 2 and again on September 4 at Manatee Beach (Holmes Beach).
The last reported dead fish in Manatee County was August 31st at Bradenton Beach.
According to FWC, the persistent surface currents before, during and after the passage of tropical storm Gordon probably played a role in the transport of the Karnia brevis red tide cells to the northwest.
Red tide is a type of alga that emits a neurotoxin when it blooms. Deadly for fish, marine turtles, marine mammals and shorebirds that eat fish, the red tide makes shellfish unfit for consumption and can irritate people, especially those with asthma,
Call 866-300-9399 in Florida to hear a recording on the conditions of the Red Tide. Call outside Florida, call 727-552-2448.
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