|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Red tide shifts south, conditions improve
Article published on Sunday, Oct. 8, 2006 |
ST. PETERSBURG - The current bloom of the Florida red tide organism, Karenia brevis shifted to the south last week, according to the latest reports from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute.
Water samples taken the week of Oct. 2-6 detect medium to high concentrations of red tide occurring in the Gulf of Mexico from the coast to 10 miles offshore between southern Pinellas County and southern Collier County.
Sample data from northern areas in Pinellas were not updated this week. Samples taken from areas around Clearwater pier and south detected low to medium concentrations of red tide. Low concentrations also were detected in samples taken from the Sunshine Skyway Bridge and northern and southern piers.
The FWRI said it received reports of fish kills from areas from northern Pinellas County to southern Lee County, including St. Pete Beach, Boca Ciega Bay, and Madeira Beach in Pinellas.
Fish kills and respiratory irritation are possible between northern Pinellas and Collier County, the FWRI said.
What is red tide
Florida red tide is a higher-than-normal concentration of a microscopic plant-like organism. According to the FWRI, K. brevis is the species that causes most red tides in Florida.
K. brevis produces toxins, called brevetoxins, which can affect the central nervous system of fish. The toxin can kill fish, birds and other marine animals. Bottom-dwellers such as groupers and grunts are usually the first fish to die. Eating fish, shellfish plants or other food sources infected by the red tide organism can sicken other marine animals, birds, dolphins and others.
Human risks
The most common problem encountered during a red tide bloom is the smell - from the bloom itself and dead fish. Officials also warn the public about potential respiratory problems.
The toxin can spread in the wind like an aerosol. It is most noticeable when winds blow onshore. Red tide irritation can cause coughing, sneezing and watery eyes. Officials advise people with asthma or other respiratory illnesses to stay clear of red tide areas.
Other human risks associated with red tide include puncture wounds from spines of dead fish and skin irritation or rashes from contact with toxins in the water.
People who eat shellfish that are highly contaminated with toxins can experience health problems, including neurotoxic shellfish poisoning, according to an article written by the FWRI's Harmful Algal Bloom Group.
Neurotoxic shellfish poisoning is a temporary illness causing gastrointestinal and neurological distress. Symptoms include nausea and diarrhea; dizziness; muscular aches; and tingling and numbness in the tongue, lips, throat and extremities. The article said that symptoms usually occur within a few hours of eating contaminated shellfish and disappear in a few days.
The state regulates shellfish harvesting during red tide blooms. When concentrations of red tide reach dangerous levels, officials prohibit harvesting of bi-valve (filter-feeding) shellfish, such as oysters, clams and coquinas.
After concentrations drop, it usually takes two to six weeks for the shellfish to purge the toxins from their systems and become safe to eat. Officials monitor and continually test harvesting areas to maintain public safety, the FWRI said.
Harvesting bans do not apply to crabs, shrimp, lobsters or fish, which are safe to eat even during red tide blooms because the toxins do not build up in parts eaten by people, the FWRI said.
People, who need immediate assistance regarding health related issues, can call the Marine and Freshwater Toxin hotline at 1-888-232-8635. The hotline is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
For information about red tide conditions, call the Red Tide Status Line at 866-300-9399 (toll-free inside Florida only) or 727-552-2448 (outside Florida). Callers will hear a recorded message about current red tide conditions around the state. The recording is updated each Friday by 5 p.m. Additional information can be found by visiting the FWRI Web site at www.research.myfwc.com.
The FWRI Fish Kill Hotline, 800-636-0511, is available for callers to report fish kills, diseased fish, or fish with other abnormalities. The hotline's recorded message asks callers to leave contact information and a detailed report. A biologist will contact the caller, usually the following workday, if more information is needed. This service is part of a federally funded project to survey fish-related diseases and mortalities. Fish kills may also be reported online; visit research.myfwc.com/fishkill/submit.asp for additional information and detail.
Note, the FWRI Fish Kill Hotline should NOT be called to request dead fish cleanup; local municipalities are responsible for dead fish cleanup -usually only on public beaches.
|
Article published on Sunday, Oct. 8, 2006
Copyright © Tampa Bay Newspapers: All rights reserved. |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tampa Bay Newspapers
9911 Seminole Blvd.
Seminole, FL 33772
(727) 397-5563
Open Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
|
|
