Red Tide
What is Red Tide?
Red tide, or a harmful algal bloom, is a higher-than-normal concentration of a microscopic alga (plantlike organism). In Florida, the species that causes most red tides is Karenia brevis. At high enough concentrations, red tide can discolor water a red or brown hue. The water can also remain its normal color during a bloom. Karenia brevis can produce toxins (brevetoxins) that can kill fish, birds, marine mammals, and sea turtles. Wave action can break open K. brevis cells and release these toxins into the air, leading to respiratory irritation. For people with severe or chronic respiratory conditions, such as emphysema or asthma, red tide can cause serious illness. The red tide toxins can also accumulate in molluscan filter-feeders such as oysters and clams, which can lead to Neurotoxic Shellfish Poisoning in people who consume contaminated shellfish.
Red tide monitoring in Collier County is conducted at five beaches: Barefoot Beach, Vanderbilt Beach, Seagate Beach (Clam Pass), Naples Pier, and South Marco Beach.
Current Collier County Red Tide Results
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Red Tide Resources
Red Tide Videos
Check out these FWC Research Institute videos on Red Tide.