[MARINE_BIOLOGY_INTERNATIONAL] Red tide still affecting area beaches

Red tide still affecting area beaches

Oct 19, 2012 7:30 AM EDT

By Clifton French -

NORTH NAPLES, FL -

Red tide continues to spread across beaches in the area. The latest to be affected is Barefoot Beach in Collier County.

The bloom extends from Pinellas County to northern Collier. The beach with the highest concentration of red tide is Blind Pass Beach along Sanibel and Captiva.

Pine Island Sound and Englewood Beach are also on the list.

Red tide is toxic for sea creatures, so dead fish are washing ashore, causing a bit of a stench.

Along with those dead fish, red tide can cause respiratory issues in humans, so people who suffer from asthma and other breathing problems are advised to stay away from the beach.

Florida Fish and Wildlife will be releasing another report today detailing the latest red tide test results for Southwest Florida.

NBC News