Algae wash ashore on Sarasota, Manatee beaches
By Kate Spinner
Herald Tribune
Monday, May 7, 2012 at 4:47 p.m.
At Lido Beach, Longboat Key and Anna Maria Island, the usually clear water is taking on a brownish hue as two types of algae creep toward shore.
The stuff is naturally occurring and not considered harmful.
Wildlife officials on Sunday took water samples at Longboat Key to figure out exactly what was lingering in the water.
Test results on Monday confirmed red drift algae — often just referred to as seaweed — and blooms of microscopic algae called Trichodesmium. Neither are considered harmful, but they can make the water look less than appealing.
More water samples were taken on Monday and more results should be available today or Wednesday.
Officials with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission have received only one report that might suggest the presence of red tide. A couple who had been boating complained of sore throats and sinus problems after spending time in discolored water near Anna Maria Island.
Red tide algae produce toxins that cause respiratory irritation. Trichodesmium algae do not.
Seaweed is common on Southwest Florida beaches and plays an important role in coastal ecology. The material contains bugs, worms and tiny fish that provide food for birds. But when seaweed washes ashore it tends to rot, giving off an unpleasant odor.
Trichodesmium and drift algae usually stay farther away from the shoreline, but currents can sometimes carry it to the beach.
"That's when people see it," said FWC spokesman Kevin Baxter.
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