Red tide reported at multiple Lee County sites
The Florida Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has documented a resurgence of red tide in waters off Fort Myers Beach and Lee County following tests this month.
The Florida Department of Health in Lee County has issued a health alert for the presence of three red tide blooms in Lee County. Alert levels, also considered to be “medium levels” of red tide, were found at Lynn Hall Memorial Park on Fort Myers Beach, New Pass at Lovers Key State Park on Fort Myers Beach on Nov. 16 and at Lighthouse Beach Park on Sanibel on Nov. 17. A cautionary level of red tide was found at Bonita Beach Park.
Red tide was observed in 13 different samples throughout Lee County over the past week. The highest concentrations were off of eastern Sanibel and northern Captiva.
The Florida Department of Health in Lee County is alerting the public to exercise caution in and around Lee County coastal waters at this time and to stay away from the water. Town of Fort Myers Beach officials are also urging residents not to go into the water due to pollution from Hurricane Ian and dangerous objects in the waters. Since Hurricane Ian, environmental observers have been expecting a resurgence of red tide.
Reports of fish kills suspected to be related to red tide were received over the past week in Southwest Florida from Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee, and Collier counties over the past week.
The Florida Department of Health in Lee County is cautioning residents and visitors to take the following precautions:
• Do not swim in waters with dead fish.
• Those with chronic respiratory problems should be especially cautious and stay away from this location as red tide can affect your breathing.
• Do not harvest or eat molluscan shellfish or distressed or dead fish from this location. If caught live and healthy, finfish are safe to eat as long as they are filleted, and the guts are discarded. Rinse fillets with tap or bottled water.
• Wash your skin and clothing with soap and fresh water if you have had recent contact with red tide.
• Keep pets and livestock away and out of the water.
• Residents living in beach areas are advised to close windows and run the air conditioner, making sure that the A/C filter is maintained according to manufacturer’s specifications.
• If outdoors near an affected location, residents may choose to wear masks, especially if onshore winds are blowing.
Is red tide harmful?
Red tide, known scientifically as K. brevis, produces potent neurotoxins (brevetoxins) that can be harmful to the health of both wildlife and people. Wind and wave action can break open K. brevis cells and release toxins into the air.
People in coastal areas can experience varying degrees of eye, nose and throat irritation during a red tide bloom. Some individuals with chronic respiratory conditions like asthma or chronic lung disease might experience more severe symptoms. Red tide toxins can also affect the central nervous system of fish and other marine life, which can lead to fish kills and increased wildlife strandings or mortalities. Eating contaminated seafood can cause neurotoxic shellfish poisoning in humans. Symptoms include nausea and vomiting; tingling of the mouth, lips and tongue; and slurred speech and dizziness.
To report fish kills, contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute at 1-800-636-0511 or at https://myfwc.com/research/saltwater/health/fish-kills-hotline/.
“Fish kills and respiratory irritation are almost certain at these high levels,” said Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation Marine Lab Director Dr. Eric Milbrandt. “We also found areas on the higher end of medium near South Seas Resort,” Milbrandt said.
Health officials issue Red Tide ALERT for Lee County
The Florida Department of Health in Lee County has issued a Health Alert for the presence an additional red tide bloom. The red tide organism, Karenia brevis, has been observed at very low to high concentrations in Lee County. An alert level of Red Tide was found at Alison Hagerup Beach (Captiva). This is in response to water samples taken on Nov. 17.
Residents and visitors are advised to take the following precautions:
• Look for informational signage posted at most beaches.
• Stay away from the water, and do not swim in waters with dead fish.
• Those with chronic respiratory problems should be especially cautious and stay away from this location as red tide can affect your breathing.
• Do not harvest or eat molluscan shellfish, or distressed or dead fish from this location. If caught live and healthy, finfish are safe to eat as long as they are filleted and the guts are discarded. Rinse fillets with tap or bottled water.
• Wash your skin and clothing with soap and fresh water if you have had recent contact with red tide.
• Keep pets and livestock away and out of the water, sea foam and dead sea life. If your pet swims in waters with red tide, wash it as soon as possible.
• Residents living in beach areas are advised to close windows and run the air conditioner, making sure that the A/C filter is maintained according to manufacturer’s specifications.
• If outdoors near an affected location, residents may choose to wear masks, especially if onshore winds are blowing.
What is red tide?
Red tide is one type of harmful algal bloom caused by high concentrations of the toxic dinoflagellate Karenia brevis (K. brevis), a type of microscopic algae found in the Gulf of Mexico. Red tide typically forms naturally offshore, commonly in late summer or early fall, and is carried into coastal waters by winds and currents. Once inshore, these opportunistic organisms can use nearshore nutrient sources to fuel their growth. Blooms typically last into winter or spring, but in some cases, can endure for more than one year.
Is it harmful?
K. brevis produces potent neurotoxins (brevetoxins) that can be harmful to the health of both wildlife and people. Wind and wave action can break open K. brevis cells and release toxins into the air. This is why you should monitor conditions and use caution when visiting affected water bodies. People in coastal areas can experience varying degrees of eye, nose and throat irritation during a red tide bloom. Some individuals with chronic respiratory conditions like asthma or chronic lung disease might experience more severe symptoms. Red tide toxins can also affect the central nervous system of fish and other marine life, which can lead to fish kills and increased wildlife strandings or mortalities. Eating contaminated seafood can cause neurotoxic shellfish poisoning in humans. Symptoms include nausea and vomiting; tingling of the mouth, lips and tongue; and slurred speech and dizziness.
Find current information about Florida’s water quality status and public health notifications for harmful algal blooms and beach conditions by visiting ProtectingFloridaTogether.gov and floridahealth.gov/environmental-health/aquatic-toxins. Protecting Florida Together is the state’s joint effort to provide statewide water quality information to prioritize environmental transparency and commitment to action. For local shellfish harvesting status, visit the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Where Can I Report Issues Related to Red Tide?
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission collects and analyzes red tide samples and results are updated multiple times daily (MyFWC.com/redtidemap/); status updates are issued twice weekly during blooms (Red Tide Current Status). To hear a recording about red tide conditions throughout the state, call the toll-free hotline at 866-300-9399.
To report fish kills, contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute via the FWC Reporter App, call 1-800-636-0511, or report online at https://myfwc.com/research/saltwater/health/fish-kills-hotline/.
Report symptoms from exposure to a harmful algal bloom or any aquatic toxin to the Florida Poison Information Center. Call 1-800-222-1222 to speak to a poison specialist immediately.
Contact your veterinarian if you believe your pet has become ill after consuming or having contact with red tide-affected water or contaminated marine life.
If you have other health questions or concerns about red tide blooms, please call the Florida Department of Health in Lee County at 239-690-2100.
To reach NATHAN MAYBERG, please email nmayberg@breezenewspapers