Red tide duration varies significantly and is unpredictable. Blooms can last anywhere from a few days to several months, or even over a year in some cases. Factors affecting duration include water temperature, nutrient levels, weather patterns, and ocean currents. Most blooms along Florida’s coast typically last several weeks to a few months, but some have persisted for 10 months or longer.
Swimming during red tide is generally not recommended, especially for people with respiratory conditions, asthma, or compromised immune systems. Red tide can cause skin and eye irritation, coughing, sneezing, and throat irritation. If you choose to swim, avoid areas with dead fish, discolored water, or strong odors. Rinse off immediately after swimming and seek medical attention if you experience severe symptoms.
Common health effects include respiratory irritation (coughing, sneezing, throat irritation), eye irritation and tearing, skin irritation and rash, and nasal congestion. People with pre-existing respiratory conditions like asthma, emphysema, or bronchitis may experience more severe symptoms. Prolonged exposure can worsen these effects. If symptoms persist or are severe, seek medical attention.
Red tide is caused by Karenia brevis, a naturally occurring marine algae. While the organism occurs naturally in Gulf waters, blooms can be influenced by factors such as nutrient runoff from land, water temperature changes, salinity levels, wind patterns, and ocean currents. Human activities like agriculture and urban runoff may contribute to conditions that promote bloom growth.
Yes, red tide can be very dangerous for pets. Dogs and cats can be poisoned by ingesting contaminated water, dead fish, or foam from red tide. Symptoms in pets include vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, excessive drooling, and neurological symptoms. Keep pets away from affected beaches and seek immediate veterinary care if exposure occurs.
Commercially caught seafood is generally safe as it’s monitored and tested for toxins. However, avoid harvesting your own shellfish (clams, oysters, mussels) from affected areas as they can concentrate red tide toxins. Fish caught in red tide areas may be safe if they appear healthy, but it’s best to avoid fishing in heavily affected areas. When in doubt, purchase seafood from reputable commercial sources.
While red tide is a natural phenomenon, reducing nutrient pollution can help minimize the frequency and severity of blooms. This includes proper fertilizer use, maintaining septic systems, reducing stormwater runoff, supporting wetland conservation, and following water quality protection guidelines. Individual actions like using phosphorus-free fertilizers and disposing of pet waste properly can contribute to prevention efforts.
Signs of red tide include discolored water (reddish-brown, though not always red), dead fish washing ashore, strong fishy or chlorine-like odor, respiratory irritation when near the water, and foam or scum on the water surface. However, red tide can be present without visible signs, so check official monitoring reports and this website for current conditions before visiting beaches.