Red Tide Invades Florida — But What Is It?

We’ve all heard the newscasts and seen the headlines, red tide is coming, fish are dying, ecosystems are being decimated. OK, but what exactly is red tide?

Red tide is not a tidal event per se, it is a natural, organic phenomenon that occurs when there is a high concentration of microscopic marine algae, specifically dinoflagellates, in coastal waters. In Florida, the primary culprit is a toxic algae called Karenia brevis. These algae contain pigments that give the water a reddish-brown color, hence the name red tide. While some types of red tide are harmless, others, including K. brevis, can produce toxins that can have devastating effects on marine life and the environment.

The origins of red tide can be traced back to a combination of factors, including nutrient availability, temperature and salinity levels in the water. Nutrient-rich waters, such as those near the mouths of rivers, can provide an ideal environment for algae to thrive. Warmer waters also provide an optimal environment for the growth of red tide algae. Additionally, changes in water flow and currents can lead to the concentration of algae in certain areas, leading to the formation of red tide.

Biologically speaking, red tide in Florida is caused by the proliferation of certain species of dinoflagellates, specifically those in the genus Karenia. These dinoflagellates are photosynthetic organisms that are found in marine environments around the world. They are unique in that they can move through the water using a whip-like structure called a flagellum.

The main culprit of red tide is overuse of fertilizers in the vast agricultural lands of the U.S., including Florida. These fertilizing agents are washed into rivers after use, then downstream and out into the ocean where they are fed on by these microorganisms.

These algae grow and reproduce at an alarming rate, due to the massive quantity of fertilizers being used across the world. When it does run off, these organisms then feed on this and form massive blooms that can cover hundreds of square miles of ocean. The giant blooms then create a chain reaction causing significant impacts on marine life and human health.

Some species of red tide algae produce a fascinating display through their bioluminescent nature. A quick search online will bring up dozens of videos showing dolphins, fish and even people swimming through water full of this red tide algae that produces a beautiful display of bioluminescence, almost like aquatic fireflies.

However, while the bioluminescent variety of algae tends to be non-toxic, it is not advised that you swim through Florida’s red tide as this algae can indeed be toxic and will produce a variety of deleterious health issues for humans.

One of the most significant impacts of red tide is the effect it has on marine life. The toxins produced by some species of dinoflagellates can cause respiratory distress, paralysis and even death in fish and other aquatic animals. Additionally, red tide can have indirect effects on marine ecosystems by depleting oxygen levels in the water, which can lead to the death of other marine organisms.

Red tide has had a significant impact on the coastal waters of Florida, particularly in the Gulf of Mexico. The Karenia brevis species of dinoflagellates is responsible for most of the red tide blooms in this area. These blooms can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on environmental conditions. During these blooms, the water can turn a deep shade of red, and the concentration of toxins can be high enough to cause respiratory irritation in humans and animals.

The impacts of red tide on Florida’s marine life have been significant. Fish kills have been reported, as well as the deaths of other marine animals such as dolphins and sea turtles. The depletion of oxygen levels in the water can also lead to the death of other marine organisms, such as crustaceans and bivalves. Additionally, the economic impact of red tide on Florida’s fishing and tourism industries has been significant.

Efforts are being made to mitigate the effects of red tide in Florida. One strategy is to monitor and track the development of red tide blooms so that appropriate measures can be taken to protect human health and the environment. This can involve closing beaches and waterways to swimming and fishing, as well as monitoring the levels of toxins in seafood. 

Researchers are also studying the biological and environmental factors that contribute to the development of red tide so that effective mitigation strategies can be developed.

The bottom line, red tide is a natural phenomenon that can have devastating effects on marine life and the environment. While some types of red tide are harmless, others can produce toxins that can cause respiratory distress and even death in animals and humans. Red tide blooms are caused by the proliferation of certain species of dinoflagellates, which can occur when environmental conditions are optimal for their growth. Florida’s coastal waters have been particularly impacted by red tide, with significant effects on marine life and the economy. Efforts are being made to mitigate the effects of red tide, but more research is needed to fully understand this complex phenomenon.

Source: https://floridasportfishing.com/red-tide-invades-florida-but-what-is-it/