RESEARCH PAPER IN SCIENCE

RED TIDE

What is Red Tide?

Red tide is a phenomenon caused by algal blooms (Wikipedia definition) during

which algae become so numerous that they discolor coastal waters (hence the name
"red tide"). The algal bloom may also deplete oxygen in the waters and/or release
toxins that may cause illness in humans and other animals. Species in the United
States that release these harmful toxins include:

Alexandrium fundyense - found along the Atlantic coast from the Canadian
Maritimes to southern New England

Alexandrium catenella - found along the Pacific coast from California to Alaska

Karenia brevis - found in the Gulf of Mexico along the west coast of Florida

What Causes Red Tide?

Major factors influencing red tide events include warm ocean surface temperatures,
low salinity, high nutrient content, calm seas, and rain followed by sunny days
during the summer months (NOAA). In addition, algae related to red tide can
spread or be carried long distances by winds, currents, storms, or ships.

Where Are Red Tides Found?

Red tide is a global phenomenon. However, since the 1980s harmful red tide
events have become more frequent and widespread. Detection of a spread is
thought to be influenced by higher awareness of red tide, better equipment for
detecting and analyzing red tide, and nutrient loading from farming and industrial
runoff. Countries affected by red tide events include: Argentina, Australia, Brazil,
Canada, Chile, Denmark, England, France, Guatemala, Hong Kong, India, Ireland,
Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, New Guinea, Peru, the
Philippines, Romania, Russia, Scotland, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, the United
States, and Venezuela (WHOI, 2007, CDC, 2012).

How Are Red Tides Harmful?

Red tide algae make potent natural toxins. It is unknown why these toxins are
created, but some can be hazardous to larger organisms throught the processes of
biomagnification and bioaccumulation. Grazers such as fish and krill are
unaffected by the toxins, so as they eat the algae the toxins are concentrated and
accumulate to a level that is poisonous eat to organisms that feed on them. Large
fish kills and several mammalian diseases and deaths have been attributed to
consumption of shellfish during red tide algal blooms. Diseases that may affect
humans include:

Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) - This disease is caused by the production of

saxitoxin by the Alexandrium species. It is common along the Atlantic and Pacific
coasts in the US and Canada. Poisoning occurs when one ingests shellfish
contaminated with PSP toxins causing disruption of nerve function and paralysis.
Extreme cases may result in death by asphyxiation by respiratory paralysis.

Diarrhetic Shellfish Poisoning (DSP) - This disease is caused by the Dinophysis

species. It generally occurs in Japan and Europe, but it has also been found in other
countries such as Canada, the US, Chile, New Zealand, and Thailand. Symptoms
of DSP include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and cramps. DSP is
generally not lethal.

How long does a red tide last?

Red tide blooms can last days, weeks or months, and can also change daily due to
wind conditions. Onshore winds and water movements normally bring it near the
shore and offshore winds drive it out to sea.
 Is red tide predictable?
Although the occurrence of a red tide cannot be predicted, scientists can forecast
its movement using wind and water current data once a bloom is located. Red tide
movement and concentration are important because the effects of a red tide, such
as human respiratory irritation, depend on these factors. The information provided
by forecasting and monitoring allows people to make healthy and informed
decisions regarding beach-going activities.

Is it safe to swim in water affected by red tide?

While people may swim in red tide, some individuals may experience skin
irritation and burning eyes. If your skin is easily irritated, avoid red tide water. If
you experience irritation, get out of the ocean and thoroughly wash off with fresh
water.

Can red tide affect me when I am not on the beach?

It is possible that people in coastal areas in close proximity to the shoreline may
experience varying degrees of eye, nose, and throat irritation. When a person
leaves an area with red tide, symptoms usually go away. If symptoms persist,
please seek medical attention.

Are there people who are more sensitive to the toxins caused by red tide?

People with respiratory problems (like asthma or bronchitis) should avoid red tide
areas, especially when winds are blowing on shore. If you go to the beach and have
one of these conditions, a short-acting inhaler usually helps. If you have symptoms,
leave the beach and seek air conditioning (A/C). If symptoms persist, please seek
medical attention.

What can I do to lessen the effects of red tide?

People get relief from respiratory symptoms by being in air conditioned spaces.
This is also true when driving: keep your car windows up and the A/C or heat on.
For people without asthma or any other chronic respiratory problems, over-the-
counter antihistamines may relieve symptoms. People with chronic lung ailments
should be especially vigilant about taking prescribed medications daily. Always
seek medical care if your symptoms worsen.

Can red tide affect pets?

Just like people, pets may be affected by red tide. If you live close to the beach,
consider bringing outdoor pets inside during a bloom to prevent respiratory
irritation. If you are at the beach with your pets, do not allow them to play with
dead fish or foam that may accumulate on the beach during or after a red tide. If
your pet swims in the red tide, wash them off with freshwater as soon as possible.

TOP 10 RED TIDES FACTS

1. In Florida, red tide is caused by a microscopic alga

(a plant-like microorganism) called Karenia brevis or

K. brevis.

2. The organism produces a toxin that can affect the

central nervous system of fish, birds, mammals and

other animals.

3. At high concentrations (called blooms), the organism

may discolor the water – sometimes red, light or dark

green, brown or clear.

4. Red tides or Harmful Algal Blooms occur worldwide.

K. brevis is found almost exclusively in the Gulf of

Mexico but has been found on the east coast of

Florida and off the coast of North Carolina.

5. Red tide blooms can last days, weeks or months and

 can also change daily due to wind conditions. Onshore

winds normally bring it near the shore and offshore

winds drive it out to sea.

6. Red tide was first officially recorded in Florida in 1844.

7. A red tide bloom needs biology (the organisms),

chemistry (natural or man-made nutrients for growth),

physics (concentrating and transport mechanisms).

No one factor causes it. Tests are being conducted to

see if coastal nutrients enhance or prolong blooms.

8. Report fish kills to FWRI at 1-800-636-0511. Check

current red tide status information by county at

www.floridamarine.org.

9. To learn more about Red Tide go to

www.RedTideOnline.com or view four streaming

videos online at www.Start1.com

10. Red Tide Health Hotline is a FREE, 24/7 service

staffed by medical professionals.

Call 1-888-232-8635 for health questions.

For more information check these helpful red tide sites:

www.RedTideOnline.com • www.MyFWC.com

www.MOTE.org • www.START1.com

www.DOH.state.fl.us • www.CDC.gov
 RED TIDES SAFETY TIPS
1. Most people can swim in red tide but it can cause skin
irritation and burning eyes. If your skin is easily irritated,
avoid red tide water. If you experience irritation, get out
and thoroughly wash off with fresh water. Swimming
near dead fish is not recommended.
2. Symptoms from breathing red tide toxins are normally
coughing, sneezing and teary eyes. Symptoms are
usually 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. Check
the marine forecast. Fewer toxins are in the air when
the wind is blowing offshore.
3. People with respiratory problems should avoid red tide
areas, especially when winds are blowing toxins near
shore. If you go to the beach, take your short acting
inhaler with you. If you have symptoms, leave the beach
and seek air conditioning.

SEA FOOD SAFETY TIPS

1. Commercial seafood found in restaurants and grocery
 stores is safe because it comes from red tide free

water and is monitored by the government.

2. Recreational fisherman must be careful:

• Do not eat mollusks (clams or oysters) taken from

Florida red tide waters, as they contain toxins that

cause a food poisoning called NSP (Neurotoxic

Shellfish Poisoning).

• Finfish caught live can be eaten if filleted.

• Shrimp and crabs are safe to eat.

• Use common sense: Harvesting distressed or dead

animals is not advised under any circumstances.

Edible parts of other animals (like crustaceans)

commonly called shellfish (crabs, shrimp and lobsters),

are not affected by the red tide organisms and can be

eaten.

SOURCES

https://serc.carleton.edu/microbelife/topics/redtide/index.html

https://www.whoi.edu/fileserver.do?id=45545&pt=10&p=18553

http://www.waltonsun.com/news/20151030/frequently-asked-questions-about-red-
tide