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Red Tide FAQs
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What is Florida red
tide?
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Florida red tide is the generic term
for a bloom of a microscopic alga (a
plant-like organism) called
Karenia brevis. |
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How does the Florida red
tide, Karenia brevis, kill
fish?
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Karenia brevis, or Florida
red tide, kills fish by producing a
potent toxin (called brevetoxin)
that affects the central nervous
system of the fish. The toxin can
also affect birds, mammals, and
other marine animals. |
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Are red tides new to
Florida?
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| No. The first red tide was
officially recorded in Florida in
1844. |
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How long does a
Florida red tide bloom last?
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| Florida red tide blooms can last
days, weeks, or months and can
change daily due to wind
conditions. Onshore winds normally
bring it near the shore and offshore
winds drive it out to sea. |
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What causes a
Florida red tide?
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| Florida red tide, or Karenia
brevis, needs three components
to form a bloom. The first is
biology- the organism. The second is
the correct chemistry (natural or
man made nutrients for growth). And
the third component is the right
physical conditions to act as a
concentrating and transport
mechanism. There is probably not
just 1 'recipe' to cause a Florida
red tide bloom. Tests are being
conducted to see if coastal
nutrients enhance or prolong blooms. |
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Do recreational fishermen need to be
careful during a Florida red tide?
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- Do not eat mollusks (clams or oysters) taken from Florida red tide waters, as they can contain toxins that cause a food poisoning called NSP (Neurotoxic Shellfish Poisoning).
- Finfish caught live can be eaten if filleted.
- Shrimp and crabs are safe to eat.
- Use common sense: Harvesting distressed or dead animals is not advised under any circumstances. Edible parts of other animals (like crustaceans) commonly called shellfish (crabs, shrimp, and lobster), are not affected by the Florida red tide organisms and can be eaten.
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