Recently, the Florida Department of Health released a 48-hour health advisory when Jupiter beachgoers reported symptoms of “burning eyes and throats.” 3 The highest concentrations of red tide have, in fact, been found in Jupiter, Florida. Red tide outbreaks are not unique to Miami. “We can’t predict it very well and after things happen, we try to explain it.” 3 2īasically, Larry Brand emphasized the unpredictable nature of red tide in his statement to the Weather Channel. According to Larry Brand, algae expert at the University of Miami School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, although the levels of algae were relatively low, they were harmful enough to wipe out fish and trigger respiratory symptoms in residents.

Lab tests on samples taken from Haulover Park revealed a “medium concentration” of algae typically found in red tide. In early October, red tide caused the closure of several Miami-Dade County beaches. Beach Closure, Loss of Marine Life, and Severe Respiratory Problems 2 This fact provides some insight into the economic effects of red tide. However, despite low levels of reporting, the NIH estimate that costs associated with the human health effects of marine toxin diseases account for at least 45% of the total estimated economic impact of algae bloom nationwide. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), neurotoxic shellfish poisoning (NSP) is severely underreported to public health authorities. 1Īnother way humans are exposed to red tide toxins is by eating contaminated shellfish. Red tide not only produces deadly toxins that can kill fish, it also releases contaminants into the air that can cause respiratory problems in humans. Although it is a natural event, it is very harmful to marine life and humans. In fact, this type of algae bloom has been detected in Florida’s waters since the 1840s. Red tide is not a new or radical phenomenon. The sunshine state’s once year-round, glistening shores are now subject to frequent occurrences of red tide. In recent months, Florida beachgoers have been left disheartened. By Rose Delaney, Staff Writer & Researcher for Save The Water™ | November 17, 2018

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