Red Tide | Water Quality Dashboard (2024)

Red Tide | Water Quality Dashboard (1)

Understanding Red Tide

Red Tideblooms occurs when elevated concentrations of Karenia brevis are present in the water. View this infographic to learn more about red tide, including potential effects.

Infographic

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • What is red tide?

    A red tide event occurs when there is a high concentration of toxic dinoflagellates in the water.

    Inthe Gulf of Mexico, the algae that causes most red tides is Karenia brevis, often abbreviated as K. brevis. At high enough concentrations, K. brevis can discolor water and give it ared or brown hue. Blooms caused by other algal species can also appear red or brown, but many also appear green or purple. Some algal blooms may actually appearcolorless.

    Red tide events and other harmful algal blooms degrade water quality and harm Florida’s economy.

  • How does red tide differ from blue-green algae?

    Blue-green algae blooms occur primarily in freshwater water systems, whereas red tides tend to originate 10-40 miles offshore. Although wind and currents can pushred tides into nearshore waters, includingbays and estuaries, the algae that cause red tidescannot survive in freshwater systems.

  • Where can I find out about red tide in my Area?

    You can learn about red tide in your area by visiting the interactive statewide water quality map, or by visiting Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

    Visit Statewide Water Quality MapVisit FWC

    You can also subscribe to receive updates from Protecting Florida Together.

    Subscribe to Receive Updates

  • Is red tide dangerous?

    Karenia brevis produces potent neurotoxins (brevetoxins) that can affect the health of both wildlife and people.For humans, aerosolized brevetoxins can cause respiratory irritation and/or illness if inhaled.

    Health Impacts of Red Tide

    Finfish are safe to eat as long as they are caught alive and filleted.However, consumption of shellfish harvested from waters were red tide is present can lead to neurotoxic shellfish poisoning.It is not safe to eat clams, mussels or oysters from areas impacted by red tide.

    Local Harvesting Status

  • Where can I find status reports and additional information on red tide?

    Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission provides red tide related status reports, hotlines and additional information.

    Visit FWC

  • Where can I report health issues related to red tide?

    To report health issues related to exposure to red tide, please call the Florida Poison Information Center at 800-222-1222.

    Health Effects of Red Tide

  • Where can I report fish kills, diseased fish or fish with other abnormalities?

    The Fish and Wildlife Health Group at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's Fish and Wildlife Research Institute in St. Petersburg has established a toll-free, statewide, fish kill hotline at 800-636-0511.

    The hotline allows the public to report directly to researchers the locations of fish kills and diseased or abnormal fish. Callers should leave a brief message about the event they are reporting, mailing address, and telephone number so FWC staff can call back if they need additional information is needed.

    Report Fish Kills and Fish Disease

    Please call FWC Alert at 888-404-3922 if dead marine mammals or sea turtles are observed.

Additional Resources

Red Tide | Water Quality Dashboard (2)

Water Quality Status Dashboard

The Protecting Florida Together Water Quality Dashboard delivers relevant water quality information statewide including blue-green algae, red tideand nutrient monitoring data. This map helps to ensure transparency and accountability with respect to our water quality data and its exchange with the public.Information for this mapprovided by DEP and FWC.

Water Quality DashboardDashboard Overview

RED TIDE REPORTING

Red tide data displayed on the Water Quality Status Dashboardare identical to daily sample data on the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission(FWC) site.

Both sites are updated daily. FWC provides additional information on red tide impacts such as fish kills and reports of respiratory irritation. Archived status maps and additional red tide resources are provided as well.

FWC's Red Tide Map

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AQUATIC TOXINS PROGRAM

Staff at the Florida Department of Health’s Aquatic Toxins Program workevery day to keep Floridians and visitors to our state safe. DOH works in coordination with many partners, including DEP and FWC, to ensure public health is protected.

Florida Department of Health

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Shellfish Harvesting Status

To prevent neurotoxic shellfish poisoning, harvesting of shellfish is prohibited in an area when cell concentrations of red tide organisms exceed 5,000 Karenia brevis cells per liter. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services provides information on the current status of shellfish harvesting.

Harvesting Status

Photo Gallery

Red Tide | Water Quality Dashboard (6)

FWRI biologist reviewing potential deployment sites to set cameras and traps. NOAA invited FWRI biologists along with multiple partners on a South Florida Ecosystems research cruise aboard the R/V Walton Smith: Oct. 12-19, to sample the ongoing red tide on the southwest Florida Shelf. The focus will be on quantifying human health and ecosystem impacts from the red tide event.

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FWC's Harmful Algal Bloom scientist counting Karenia brevis (red tide) cells during water sample processing.

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Light micrograph image of K. brevis, the alga that causes most red tides in Florida.

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Scanning electron micrograph image of K. brevis, the alga that causes most red tides in Florida.

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FWC conducted an aerial survey for red tide in 2018. A patchy bloom was observed along the 1-mile survey line. Water discoloration was visible from Pinellas County to Sarasota County, within 3 miles from the coast.

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FWC conducted and aerial survey for red tide in 2018. This photo was taken between the 5 and 10-mile survey lines. Although the bloom was patchy, defined golden-green streaks indicative of red tide were observed. Observations from the 10- mile survey estimated that the bloom extended at least 15 miles offshore in some areas. In particular, this was noted off of Manatee and Sarasota counties.

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Image of red tide bloom taken from the shoreline. Photo courtesy of Florida Department of Health.

Red Tide | Water Quality Dashboard (2024)

FAQs

Does red tide affect air quality? ›

This bloom, like many HABs, is caused by microscopic algae that produce toxins that kill fish and make shellfish dangerous to eat. The toxins may also make the surrounding air difficult to breathe.

How long does it take red tide to go away? ›

Red tide blooms can last days, weeks or months, and can also change daily due to wind conditions and ocean currents. Is it safe to swim in water affected by red tide? While people swim in red tide, some individuals may experience skin irritation and burning eyes. If your skin is easily irritated, avoid red tide water.

How do you solve red tides? ›

The technology being studied now is called clay flocculation. Clay particles are applied to waters infested with Karenia brevis, the algae which causes red tide. The cells become enmeshed in the clay and fall to the sea floor.

Where is red tide the worst in Florida? ›

They are most common off the central and southwestern coasts of Florida between Clearwater and Sanibel Island but may occur anywhere in the Gulf. Blooms are less common but do occur along the southeastern Atlantic coast as far north as North Carolina.

What months are bad for red tide in Florida? ›

Red tides most often form in late summer and early fall and persist through winter to spring; see our table Over 100 years of Red Tides off Florida's West Coast.

Is it safe to sit on beach with red tide? ›

Karenia brevis produce what are known as brevetoxins, which can kill marine life and birds. The red tide organism can also cause health problems in humans, such as skin irritation. Brevetoxins that have become airborne may cause those near the beach to develop a cough or congestion.

What clears up red tide? ›

In a process called clay flocculation, a solution of clay and seawater is sprayed over the water surface of an affected area. Clay particles then burst the algal cells and aggregate with the burst cells and their released toxins.

Can you still swim during red tide? ›

Swimming in the ocean during low-level or moderate red tide is typically safe for most people, but it won't necessarily be a pleasant experience. Be careful if you're swimming in red tide waters and have open wounds; flush the wound with fresh water as soon as you can. If dead fish are present, stay out of the water.

When was the last red tide in Florida? ›

Florida's last devastating red tide event was recent – just two years ago in 2021. At that time, hundreds of dead fish could be seen at a time along Tampa Bay's waters, with one local fisherman describing it as "an absolute nightmare" that "looked like a bomb had gone off."

Can red tide be removed? ›

Currently there is no tried-and-true way to completely remove the red tide algae and its impacts without potentially harming Gulf ecosystems. Mote scientists are currently studying control and mitigation methods.

What triggers red tide? ›

A red tide occurs when certain types of algae—plant-like organisms that live in the water—grow out of control. The name “red tide” comes from the fact that overgrowth of algae can cause the color of the water to turn red, as well as green or brown.

Can you prevent red tide? ›

An easy way to help prevent red tide is to limit use of fertilizer as the nutrients present in them feed the algae that cause red tide. You can also purchase our Discover Florida's Oceans plate to help preserve our oceans and protect the plants and animals that call it home.

Does red tide smell? ›

Many beaches where these events tend to occur post signs warning visitors of potential symptoms, including skin or eye irritation and coughing or sneezing. Going into the affected water or just breathing in the foul odor of red tide can cause these events, harming people who don't even step foot into the ocean.

Is red tide harmful to humans? ›

Red tide toxins can also accumulate in shellfish such as oysters and clams, which can lead to Neurotoxic Shellfish Poisoning (NSP) in anyone who consumes the contaminated mollusks. This is not commonly fatal for humans but may be for pets and other land animals.

How long does a red tide last? ›

Red tides can last from days to months. The length of time that a plankton bloom continues depends on many things, such as available nutrients and sunlight, water temperature, changes in wind or surf conditions, competition with other species, and grazing by zooplankton and small fish. Are Red Tides “Natural”?

Does red tide make it hard to breathe? ›

Keep an eye out for symptoms.

People may develop health problems during red tide, even if they've never had them before. Be aware of any symptoms that may arise, including: Respiratory irritation (coughing, sneezing) Shortness of breath.

What are the symptoms of getting sick from red tide? ›

After ingestion, this poison immediately affects the nervous system, with symptoms usually occurring within 30 minutes. Severity depends on the amount of toxin consumed. Initial reactions are tingling of the lips and tongue, which spreads to the face, neck, fingertips, and toes. Headache, dizziness, and nausea follow.

What does red tide do to humans? ›

Symptoms from breathing red tide toxins usually include coughing, sneezing, and teary eyes. For most people, symptoms are temporary when red tide toxins are in the air. Wearing a particle filter mask may lessen the effects, and research shows that using over-the- counter antihistamines may decrease your symptoms.

Does red tide take oxygen out of water? ›

Even algal blooms that don't produce harmful toxins can negatively impact marine ecosystems and wildlife. As blooms of non-toxic algae decay, the oxygen levels in sea waters drop, forcing local sea life to find safer waters or die due to asphyxiation.

References

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