Latest news with #K.brevis
Yahoo
09-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Red tide detected off Florida's coast, but don't go changing Spring Break travel plans
Temperatures are rising, which means people will soon be flocking to Florida beaches to catch some rays and perhaps take a dip in the warming waters of the Gulf or Atlantic. But swimmers beware - officials are closely monitoring the potential for red tide. Red tide, or harmful algal blooms, can occur when algae in the ocean and freshwater grow out of control and produce powerful toxins that can harm or kill marine life, birds, and be dangerous to humans. But don't go changing travel plans just yet if you are heading to the Sunshine State for Spring Break in the coming weeks. How To Watch Fox Weather Officials with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) said that over the past week, the red tide organism Karenia brevis (K. brevis) was detected in 16 samples collected from along Florida's Gulf Coast. Bloom concentrations have not been observed. However, cells were discovered in samples along or offshore of Pinellas, Hillsborough, Manatee and Charlotte counties in Southwest Florida. In its weekly update, FWC said that it is continuing to use satellite data to help track nearshore and offshore conditions. It also said that patches of elevated surface chlorophyll that it had been tracking over the past few months appear to have dissipated, and it would continue to monitor the situation closely. Download The Free Fox Weather App Along Florida's southwestern coast, K. brevis was observed at background concentrations in Pinellas County, background to low concentrations in Hillsborough County, and background to very low concentrations offshore of Manatee County and background to very low concentrations in Charlotte County. In northwestern Florida and along Florida's East Coast, K. brevis was not observed. In areas where K. brevis was not present or at background levels, no possible effects are anticipated. Toxic Algae Bloom Becoming Deadly For Sea Lions, Dolphins Pacific Ocean However, in areas with very low or low conditions, there could be some adverse health effects. Respiratory irritation could occur in areas where very low or low concentrations were observed. However, FWC said in its latest update that no reports of respiratory irritation have been received. Still, some fish kills suspected to be related to red tide have been reported over the past week for Southwest Florida at Turtle Beach in Sarasota County on Feb. article source: Red tide detected off Florida's coast, but don't go changing Spring Break travel plans
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Is red tide in Florida or Palm Beach County? What to know on algae ahead of spring break
Floridians, brace yourself — spring break is almost here, which means hundreds of thousands visitors flocking to our beautiful beaches. However, regardless of if you're a native Floridian or a seasoned visitor to the state's coasts, it only takes a visit from one unwanted visitor to ruin any beach day — red tide. Karenia brevis is a naturally occurring, single-celled organism belonging to a group of algae called dinoflagellates. Large concentrations can discolor water from red to brown, causing blooms to be called "red tides." K. brevis is found almost exclusively in the Gulf of America (formerly Gulf of Mexico) but has been recorded on Florida's east coast and off the coast of North Carolina. Worried red tide could ruin your upcoming spring break trip to the beach? Here's what to know. According to both the USA TODAY Network and FWC databases, as of Feb. 25, there are reports of low red tide between Brandon and St. Petersburg, as well as the Gasparilla Pass. There are also reports of low to medium red tide in on the western most end of Key West. More: Best things to do, tourist attractions in Palm Beach County for spring break 2025 This map shows whether any red tide or blue-green algae have been reported across Florida. Having problems seeing the map? Open in a new browser. Yes, it can be. K. brevis produces brevetoxins capable of killing fish, birds, and other marine animals. It can also cause health problems in humans, particularly those with respiratory problems. Yes, it does. The smell comes from a combination of rotting algae, dead fish, and bacteria. Some people experience respiratory irritation when the red tide organism is present and winds blow onshore. According to the Florida Department of Health, symptoms from breathing red tide toxins are temporary and usually include: Coughing Sneezing Teary eyes FDOH officials also advise people with severe or chronic respiratory conditions, such as emphysema or asthma, to avoid red tide areas Most people can still swim in red tide, but it can cause skin irritation and burning eyes. If your skin is easily irritated, avoid red tide water. If you do experience irritation while swimming, get out immediately and thoroughly wash off. Do not swim among dead fish, because they can be associated with harmful bacteria. As for those wondering if their beach scrolls will also be impacted by red tide conditions, you may experience varying degrees of eye, nose, and throat irritation, especially when winds are blowing on shore. Yes, you can. Just make sure it appears healthy and you cook it correctly. Do not eat any dead fish. Florida Today notes people who eat shellfish contaminated with red tide can experience gastrointestinal and neurological distress, nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, muscular aches, and tingling in the tongue, lips, throat, and extremities. Symptoms usually appear within a few hours after eating contaminated shellfish and vanish in a few days. According to the Florida Department of Health, red tide blooms can last days, weeks, or months and can also change daily due to wind conditions and water currents. While it can appear year-round, it is more common during the warm summer and fall months. To report symptoms from Florida red tide or any aquatic toxin, call 800-222-1222 to speak to a poison specialist immediately. To report fish kills to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, call 800-636-0511. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Red tide algae in Florida: What to know ahead of Spring Break 2025
Yahoo
25-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Where is red tide in Florida right now? What to know about algae ahead of spring break
Floridians, brace yourself — spring break is almost here, which means hundreds of thousands visitors flocking to our beautiful beaches. However, regardless of if you're a native Floridian or a seasoned visitor to the state's coasts, it only takes a visit from one unwanted visitor to ruin any beach day — red tide. Karenia brevis is a naturally occurring, single-celled organism belonging to a group of algae called dinoflagellates. Large concentrations can discolor water from red to brown, causing blooms to be called "red tides." K. brevis is found almost exclusively in the Gulf of America (formerly Gulf of Mexico) but has been recorded on Florida's east coast and off the coast of North Carolina. Worried red tide could ruin your upcoming spring break trip to the beach? Here's what to know. According to both the USA TODAY Network and FWC databases, there are reports of low red tide between Brandon and St. Petersburg, as well as the Gasparilla Pass. There are also reports of low to medium red tide in on the western most end of Key West. This map shows whether any red tide or blue-green algae have been reported across Florida. Having problems seeing the map? Open in a new browser. Yes, it can be. K. brevis produces brevetoxins capable of killing fish, birds, and other marine animals. It can also cause health problems in humans, particularly those with respiratory problems. Yes, it does. The smell comes from a combination of rotting algae, dead fish, and bacteria. Some people experience respiratory irritation when the red tide organism is present and winds blow onshore. According to the Florida Department of Health, symptoms from breathing red tide toxins are temporary and usually include: Coughing Sneezing Teary eyes FDOH officials also advise people with severe or chronic respiratory conditions, such as emphysema or asthma, to avoid red tide areas Most people can still swim in red tide, but it can cause skin irritation and burning eyes. If your skin is easily irritated, avoid red tide water. If you do experience irritation while swimming, get out immediately and thoroughly wash off. Do not swim among dead fish, because they can be associated with harmful bacteria. As for those wondering if their beach scrolls will also be impacted by red tide conditions, you may experience varying degrees of eye, nose, and throat irritation, especially when winds are blowing on shore. Yes, you can. Just make sure it appears healthy and you cook it correctly. Do not eat any dead fish. Florida Today notes people who eat shellfish contaminated with red tide can experience gastrointestinal and neurological distress, nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, muscular aches, and tingling in the tongue, lips, throat, and extremities. Symptoms usually appear within a few hours after eating contaminated shellfish and vanish in a few days. According to the Florida Department of Health, red tide blooms can last days, weeks, or months and can also change daily due to wind conditions and water currents. While it can appear year-round, it is more common during the warm summer and fall months. To report symptoms from Florida red tide or any aquatic toxin, call 800-222-1222 to speak to a poison specialist immediately. To report fish kills to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, call 800-636-0511. This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Red tide map in Florida: What to know ahead of Spring Break 2025
Yahoo
30-01-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Mote scientists, partners unveil arsenal of tools aimed at fighting red tide
SARASOTA, Fla. (WFLA) – Mote Marine Laboratory received millions of dollars from the state for a red tide mitigation initiative a few years back. Now, alongside their partners, scientists unveiled some of the tools they've developed to tackle the harmful algal blooms. 'The state of Florida is leading in the U.S. and indeed leading in the world in developing new technologies to fight, not only red tide but other harmful algal blooms in freshwater and marine ecosystems all around the United States and all around the world,' said Mote CEO Dr. Michael Crosby. QVC US and HSN operations close campus in St. Petersburg Scientists looked at more than 300 different approaches and narrowed it down to about two dozen. Three of those have already received state and federal approvals to be deployed. 'Our mantra is with all of these technologies.. none of them will do any greater harm to the environment than the red tide is already doing,' said Dr. Crosby. Mote broke down three initiatives ready for deployment in a news release this week. Principal Investigator: Dr. Dana WetzelCLEAR is a novel, naturally derived biocide developed by Mote's Environmental Laboratory for Forensics. Harnessing the properties of natural plant-based compounds, CLEAR targets K. brevis with no environmental impact. CLEAR's active ingredients are classified as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by the FDA, and studies show no measurable accumulation in the environment. The all-natural biocide degrades fully within half a day, ensuring its safety for marine ecosystems. Regulatory approvals from the EPA, FDACS, and DEP allow for rapid deployment of CLEAR in the event of a bloom. Mote has developed multiple formulations of CLEAR to ensure versatility. Engineered particle treatments can be deployed on surface waters via vessel-mounted blowers, drones, or backpack sprayers. For underwater applications, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) or autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) deliver the liquid form directly into blooms. This liquid application may also be deployed sub-surface with a specially equipped boat. CLEAR-embedded dissolvable beads provide sustained protection for 30-60 days, ideal for canals, marinas, and other vulnerable areas. This multi-faceted approach ensures targeted and effective mitigation. Principal Investigator: Dr. Rich PierceXtreme is a natural, non-toxic water treatment product developed by Heartland Energy Group. Previously used for blue-green algae (a freshwater HAB), Xtreme has demonstrated significant effectiveness against K. brevis. Lab testing and mesocosm experiments at Mote confirmed Xtreme's ability to reduce red tide cells and brevetoxins while posing no harm to marine life, including commercially important clams. Xtreme offers a natural solution that could help control blooms. This product is deployed by a large handheld sprayer. Principal Investigator: Dr. Rich PierceOZONIX® is a patented, chemical-free water treatment technology that combines several processes to eliminate K. brevis cells and their toxins. It uses hydrodynamic cavitation (a process that creates bubbles in the water to break apart harmful substances), ozone injection (adding ozone gas to the water, which helps break down toxins), ultrasonic acoustic cavitation (using sound waves to create bubbles that break down harmful materials), and electrochemical oxidation (a process where electricity helps remove contaminants). These techniques work by running large hoses into the water that are connected to a trailer outfitted with a complex water system. Together, these techniques effectively address the red tide algae and its toxins. When and where to deploy these technologies will be up to state and federal leaders. 'This is huge for the state of Florida, it is huge for the United States, it is huge for the world to be able to fight these very toxic negative impacts to our environment, to our economy and to our quality of life,' said Dr. Crosby. 'We are working very patiently, but very deliberately through the permitting process for the other dozen and a half technologies. We need them all to be approved, but we do have to work through those processes. We are ready to deploy now. What we need to do is a scale this up so that we can have large-scale deployment of all of these technologies,' he continued. Partners of Mote include Senior Global Product Manager, Heartland Energy Group, Prescott Clean Water, AquaTech Eco Consultants, Hull's Environmental Services, and A-C-T Environmental & Infrastructure. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
