Red Tide: A Closer Look at Florida’s Algae Bloom Phenomenon
Posted: May 5, 2024
Red Tide is a term used to describe what scientists refer to as harmful algal blooms (HABs). High Karenia brevis algal concentrations produce microscopic toxins that reduce the oxygen levels in the water, turning it a deep red colour. While Karenia brevis is always present in the Gulf, the high concentrations found during bloom events are deadly for fish, make shellfish dangerous for consumption, and impact the surrounding air quality – making it difficult to breathe. There are a number of factors that influence these blooms, including temperature, nutrients, salinity, tides, and currents.