Red tide in Florida is a higher-than-normal concentration of a microscopic algae called Karenia brevis. This organism produces toxins that can kill fish, birds, and other marine life, as well as cause respiratory irritation in humans when the toxins become airborne from breaking waves.[1][2][4]

## Key Points about Florida Red Tide

– Karenia brevis is the species that causes most red tides in Florida and the Gulf of Mexico. It produces brevetoxins that are harmful to marine life and humans.[1][4]

– Red tides have been documented in Florida since the 1700s, so they are not a new phenomenon.[1][2]

– Red tides typically occur in late summer or early fall off Florida’s central and southwestern coasts, but can happen year-round and spread to other areas via currents.[4]

– The water may appear discolored red, brown, green or remain normal during a red tide bloom.[1][2]

– Red tides cannot be accurately predicted, but their movement can be forecast once a bloom is located using wind and current data.[1][2]

– People can experience respiratory irritation like coughing, sneezing and tearing when exposed to aerosolized red tide toxins, especially those with chronic lung conditions.[1][2][3]

– While swimming is generally safe, it’s best to avoid red tide areas if susceptible to irritation. Don’t allow pets to play with dead fish or foam.[1][2]

– Commercially harvested and restaurant shellfish are monitored and safe, but recreationally harvested shellfish should not be consumed during red tides.[1]

– Red tides can cause significant economic impacts on coastal communities reliant on tourism and shellfish harvesting.[4]

So in summary, Florida’s red tides are a natural but harmful algal bloom caused by the Karenia brevis organism that requires monitoring to minimize negative impacts on marine life, human health and coastal economies.[1][2][3][4]

Citations:
[1] https://www.visitflorida.org/resources/crisis-preparation/red-tide-information/
[2] https://lee.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/environmental-health/healthy-beaches/red-tide.html
[3] https://www.fox13news.com/news/what-is-floridas-red-tide-and-where-does-it-come-from
[4] https://myfwc.com/research/redtide/general/about/
[5] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jv1KGPhmOeo