Those who frequent Florida beaches are probably familiar with the Red Tide phenomena. Red Tide refers to a naturally-occurring, higher-than-normal concentration of the microscopic algae Karenia brevis.
This organism produces a toxin that affects the central nervous system of fish so that they are paralyzed and cannot breathe. As a result, red tide blooms often result in dead fish washing up on Gulf beaches. When red tide algae reproduce in dense concentrations or “blooms,” they are visible as discolored patches of ocean water, often reddish in color.
If you’re visiting Bamboo Beach Club Resort at this time, be aware that Red Tide impact has been reported off Southwest Florida beaches, including St. Pete Beach, and possibly other nearby beaches. It is at the discretion of the Department of Health whether or not certain beaches will be closed.
Here is what you should know about Red Tide.
Red Tide Effect on Humans
Although not usually severe, people who have been swimming in waters affected with high concentrations of Karenia brevis sometimes experience skin irritation, rashes, and eye irritation from the sea foam.
Eating Fish Caught in or Near Red Tides
Most fish (including crustaceans like shrimp, crab and lobster) is safe to eat as long as it’s caught live and only the muscle is eaten. However, shellfish including clams, oysters and mussels caught under these conditions should be avoided. These types of shellfish can accumulate brevetoxins which have no taste, smell, or color, and can’t be destroyed by cooking.
If contaminated shellfish are eaten, people can become ill with Neurotoxic Shellfish Poisoning (NSP), which will make you quite sick with abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle pain, vertigo, headache and, less frequently, abnormally slowed heart rate.
When and Where Red Tide Occurs
Red Tides begin in the Gulf of Mexico and happen every year during the late summer/early fall. Currents and winds then transport blooms toward shore. The blooms mainly come up along Gulf beaches, and less frequently into bays and estuaries.
Can I Go to the Beach?
It is at the discretion of the Department of Health whether or not certain beaches will be closed.
Staying on Top of Red Tide Status
Visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission online or follow the Florida Red Tide page on Facebook for updates about Red Tide conditions.
Most of your Florida beach travels should be hassle-free, but we hope this information will provide some peace of mind about Red Tide and how to avoid it.
Have you been at the beach during Red Tide? What safety tips would you share?
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