Red tide blooming in Gulf, Charlotte Harbor

Red Tide Report 11/27/13

A bloom of Karenia brevis, the Florida red tide organism, was detected this week in, along and offshore of southern Lee to northern Collier County with levels ranging from background to medium concentrations. The highest concentrations were reported offshore of southern Sanibel Island, at Lighthouse Beach, and in Estero Bay.

Respiratory irritation and a fish kill were reported alongshore of Collier County at the Delnor-Wiggins State Park. Fish kills were also reported inside of northern Charlotte Harbor, stretching from Pirate Harbor on the east side to Cape Haze on the west side and north to Punta Gorda Isles.

Additional samples collected in Florida waters this week did not contain K. brevis.

Tables and maps of sample results are available on the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commision website.

The website also provides links to additional information related to the topic of Florida red tide including satellite imagery, experimental red tide forecasts, shellfish harvesting areas, the FWC Fish Kill Hotline, the Florida Poison Information Center (to report human health effects related to exposure to red tide), and other wildlife related hotlines.

To learn more about various organisms that have been known to cause algal blooms in Florida waters, see the FWC flickr page; click on “Harmful Algal Bloom Species”.

The FWRI HAB group in conjunction with Mote Marine Laboratory now have a Facebook page. "Like" the page and learn interesting facts concerning red tide and other harmful algal blooms in Florida.

Source: Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission sent this bulletin on 11/27/2013