![]() ![]() One of the largest red tide events in Florida was recorded in 2014, when water temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico surged to record highs and the harmful algae bloom stretched 90 miles long and 60 miles wide.Īnother red tide outbreak that began in late 2017 persisted for 16 months, impacting Florida’s southwest, northwest, and east coasts at the same time. “You start coughing - like choking, coughing.” (Conditions are currently low risk, according to the JRed Tide forecast map.) Siva knows how frightening it can be to be exposed to red tide. ![]() Exposure to the algae can cause respiratory illnesses and other problems for people who are exposed, and, in rare occasions, be debilitating or even fatal. The algae produces toxic compounds that are harmful to humans as well as dolphins, manatees, shellfish and other sea life. Red tides occur when warming waters and other factors spur the growth of a type of rust-colored algae known as Karenia brevis. The thin passageway between Moorings Bay and the Florida Gulf of Mexico is home to a couple of friendly dolphins, which Siva often sees on her outings.īut the journey is about more than exercise and wildlife sightings, because when Siva paddle boards she is also participating in a government-funded science project aimed at protecting public health as climate change brings warming ocean waters and predictions for rising incidences of a dangerous phenomenon known as the “red tide.” You can learn more and get updated conditions about commonly called red tide at NCCOS or click on the map below to get a red tide respiratory forecast along the Gulf Coast.Nearly every day, Florida resident Pradeepa Siva goes paddle boarding through Doctors Pass in Naples. The National Centers for Coast Ocean Science (NCCOS) monitors and provides harmful algal bloom forecasts for the Gulf of Mexico, Gulf of Maine, Lake Erie and, soon, the Pacific Northwest. ![]() Specialists may be able to offer information as well. The CDC also recommends contacting your poison control center hotline at 1-80. People and animals are exposed to algal toxins by eating shellfish, fish containing toxins or by swimming in contaminated water.Ĭontact your health care team if you've been exposed to red tide. If you're prone to more reactive airway disease, make sure you have your inhalers available and be in close contact with your provider for additional management if needed." "When the tide is high, or we know it's coming in, stay indoors, keep the windows closed. ![]() Please courtesy: "Mayo Clinic News Network." Name super/CG: Arleen Bhasin, M.D./Allergy and Immunolgy/Mayo Clinic. Journalists: Broadcast-quality soundbite is in the downloads at the end of the post. Arveen Bhasin talks about how red tide could impact beachgoers It's a problem along the west coast of Florida, predominantly from algae overgrowth, and it can cause respiratory symptoms," says Dr. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), exposure to red tide may cause respiratory and eye problems, and other health issues in people. Red tide produces toxins, and when people or animals are exposed to them, they can become sick. Red tide occurs when microscopic algae multiply to higher-than-normal concentrations, often turning the water red or brown. The organism was detected in 172 samples along Florida's Gulf Coast earlier this week, according to Florida officials.ĭead fish and other marine life are washed ashore on beaches because of harmful algae. In the Gulf of Mexico, red tide is caused by a microscopic organism called Karenia brevis. However, toxic red tide algal blooms have put beachgoers and residents on alert. Many people are flocking to the Gulf Coast for spring break. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |