RED TIDE ALERT POSTED FOR LEE COUNTY
The Florida Department of Health (FDOH) in Lee County posted Red Tide advisory signage yesterday at Blind Pass Beach Park, due to the high concentration of red tide sampled near Buck Key.
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.
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.
FDOH advisories are issued based upon the most recent data collected and analyzed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC). Due to Hurricane Ian, FWC has not been sampling their regular beach locations on Sanibel but intend to resume next week.
To fill in some gaps, the Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation sampled several beach locations on Monday of this week—finding high concentrations or near high concentrations at Lighthouse Beach, Gulfside, and Tarpon Bay Beach.
While the FDOH advisory only mentions Blind Pass specifically, additional local data and on-site observations indicate fish kills and respiratory impacts may be present along the entire Sanibel shoreline.
The county-wide no swimming advisory remains in effect.
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.
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