Red tide detected near Manasota Beach
By Kate Spinner
Herald Tribune
Published: Tuesday, September 27, 2011 at 6:44 p.m.
ENGLEWOOD - For the first time in more than four years, Sarasota County may be facing an outbreak of red tide, the noxious algae that kills fish and causes respiratory irritation in people.
Water quality samples taken recently by Sarasota County in partnership with Mote Marine Laboratory showed elevated concentrations of the algae near Manasota Beach and near Venice and Englewood beaches, according to data released late Tuesday.
Whether the elevated concentrations are an isolated blip or signs of a larger red tide bloom was unclear Tuesday evening. More sampling will continue this week, according to a routine red tide report issued by state wildlife officials.
Red tide algae contain neurotoxins that get released into the water and air when the algae die. The poisons kill fish, sea turtles and marine mammals.
Severe red tides can make people on the beach cough and wheeze when winds blow onshore.
Zoe Bass, who monitors sea turtle nests on Manasota Key, said she has noticed many small, dead fish lately on the northern part of the key. She said she had suspected red tide because they seemed to be washing ashore alive, as though escaping a bloom.
Bass also said other turtle volunteers reported several dead birds recently.
Very small amounts of red tide algae were measured in mid-July and early August in Sarasota Bay and near New Pass, but the presence of the algae was not widespread or persistent enough to warrant concern.
The last time Sarasota County experienced red tide was 2006. Collier and Lee counties have had some minor red tide blooms since.
Red tides move by currents and wind.
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