![]() This phenomenon can be caused by many different factors. In a nutshell and quite plainly the term “Red Tide” was coined because of the discoloration seen in the water due to the immense numbers of toxic algae concentrations. So how did the term come to be in regards to the ocean? But isn’t algae normally green? Whenever I have seen fish tanks that haven’t been cleaned the best they usually have green algae building up, when I visit lakes the algae I see is green. We know what causes Red Tide, now why is it called “Red”? Red Tides are amazingly eerie to look at but they indicate an unwell ecosystem. ![]() Put simply this is an overgrowth of harmful algae that is immensely damaging to multiple ecosystems and many economies that rely on those ecosystems.įlorida’s Red Tide/ Flickr Why is it called Red Tide? This present deadly Red Tide, which is in some areas as thick as six feet deep at the water’s edge, has reportedly killed Goliath grouper, tarpon rays, and even dolphins and other marine mammals. Huge amounts of dead fish, and we’re not just talking about the little bait fish or a shrimp or two, are the result of the current outburst of Red Tide in canals and beaches on Florida’s gulf coast in and around St. Brevis are wreaking havoc on many Florida beaches. While all algae aren’t necessarily dangerous the immense numbers of K. Karenia Brevis produces a neurotoxin that can kill fish and marine mammals and it depletes the water’s oxygen level, causing a mass die-off. It is a naturally occurring phytoplankton/algae but it’s quite dangerous. The most common or well-known harmful algae bloom in the Gulf of Mexico is called Karenia Brevis. There are multiple, over 50 to be somewhat exact, species of algae in the Gulf of Mexico alone. The cause of this troubling occurrence is known as harmful algae blooms or more commonly known as Red Tide and it’s bad news for everyone and everything involved. Have you visited a Florida beach recently? Well, if you have you may have noticed a discoloration in the water, maybe an abnormal amount of algae washed ashore.Įven more shocking, you may have noticed an increase in the amount of dead fish and other aquatic life washed ashore. Below are some common questions relating to Red Tide in Florida. Red Tides or Red Tide Blooms also known by scientists as Harmful Algae Blooms are events that happen along many coasts all over the world. Red Tides happen when a particular algae grows out of control. But when you take a deeper look there is so much more to it than just some discolored water and some dead fish washed ashore. Sounds like a hoot doesn’t it? If you’re like me you’ve heard of Red Tide, you may have even been affected by it. Looking for information about Florida’s Red Tide?
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |