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Honeymoon Island State Park, Dunedin, is a popular tourist destination ranked No.3 on Tripadvisor among 120 attractions in the area. However, the island has been affected by red tide, a harmful algal bloom that causes respiratory irritation and fish kills. Red tide is caused by a higher-than-normal concentration of the algae Karenia brevis, which can reach up to 1 million cells per 1 liter of water. In 2023, medium levels of red tide were detected at Three Rooker Island, just north of Honeymoon Island, and low levels were found at the island itself, along with respiratory irritation and fish kills in the surrounding counties. The impact of red tide was evident from the sight of dead fish and red water seen from the air. The occurrence of red tide can be influenced by natural factors and human-caused pollution, such as sewage spills, and can be a concern for beachside communities, especially during hurricane cleanup efforts.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | 21st April 2023 |
| Red Tide Status | Low levels of red tide were found at Honeymoon Island |
| Red Tide Status in Nearby Areas | Medium levels of red tide were found at Three Rooker Island, just north of Honeymoon Island State Park |
| Respiratory Irritation | Reported in Pinellas and Sarasota counties |
| Fish Kills | Reported in Sarasota |
| Cause of Red Tide | Karenia brevis, a type of algae |
| Impact | Dead fish and red water |
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What You'll Learn
Honeymoon Island State Park experiences low levels of red tide
Honeymoon Island State Park in Dunedin, Florida, has experienced low levels of red tide in recent years. Red tide is a harmful algal bloom that can cause respiratory irritation and even make breathing difficult for humans, as well as causing fish kills. In 2023, red tide was detected in the waters off Honeymoon Island, along with other beaches in southern Sarasota County, including Venice Fishing Pier, Nokomis Beach, and Siesta Beach. While the main beach, parking lot, and dog beach at Honeymoon Island State Park remained open, many other areas of the park were closed, including North Beach, Oasis Beach, bike trails, and picnic areas.
The presence of red tide can be influenced by natural factors and human-caused pollution. In the case of Honeymoon Island, the algal blooms may have been intensified by the nutrients from the millions of gallons of sewage that spilled during Hurricane Ian in 2022. The effects of red tide can be detrimental to both marine life and humans, with potential respiratory issues and fish kills. It is important for beachside residents and visitors to stay cautious and informed about red tide levels, especially those with existing respiratory issues.
In 2024, as Hurricane Helene cleanup was underway in Pinellas County, red tide was detected again in the waters off Honeymoon Island, along with other beaches in the area. While the red tide was almost gone from the Pinellas beaches, it was getting worse in southern Sarasota County. This persistent issue of red tide in the region highlights the need for ongoing monitoring and management to mitigate its impact on the environment and local communities.
To address the red tide issue, Florida wildlife officials conduct regular water sampling and testing to monitor the levels and predict the movement of red tide. The county also provides health warnings and advisories, especially for individuals with respiratory conditions, to avoid potential exposure to red tide. The collaboration between state and county authorities is crucial in managing the impact of red tide and ensuring the safety of residents and visitors to Honeymoon Island State Park and the surrounding areas.
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Red tide causes respiratory irritation and fish kills
Red tide is a harmful algal bloom (HAB) that occurs along coastal regions, turning the water reddish-brown. It is caused by a large accumulation of aquatic microorganisms that contain toxins called brevetoxins. These toxins are produced by the marine microalgae Karenia brevis (K. brevis), a type of dinoflagellate. While red tide can have a negative impact on marine life, causing fish kills, it also affects humans, leading to respiratory irritation.
Brevetoxins are sodium channel neurotoxins that can induce adverse pulmonary responses when inhaled by humans. Individuals exposed to red tide events exhibit a range of upper and lower respiratory symptoms, including coughing, sneezing, rhinorrhea, and bronchoconstriction. These symptoms can be more severe in people with underlying respiratory diseases such as asthma, emphysema, or COVID-19. Exposure to red tide toxins can also cause eye, nose, and throat irritation, as well as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has been dealing with red tide concerns, particularly along the central and southern coasts of Florida. In April 2023, medium levels of red tide were found at Three Rooker Island, just north of Honeymoon Island State Park, and low levels were detected at the park itself. Respiratory irritation was reported in Pinellas and Sarasota counties, and fish kills were observed in Sarasota.
To prevent red tide poisoning, it is recommended to avoid entering bodies of water that have a foul odor, appear discolored, or have foam or algal mats on the surface. It is also important to follow local or state guidance and stay informed about beach or lake closures. While swimming during a red tide is generally safe for most people, it is crucial to be cautious and avoid direct exposure to the toxins.
The consumption of contaminated seafood, such as shellfish, can also lead to neurotoxic shellfish poisoning (NSP), causing gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms. NSP is typically not fatal for humans but can be serious, requiring supportive care and, in severe cases, life support systems such as mechanical respirators and oxygen.
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Red tide is caused by the algae Karenia brevis
Red tide is caused by the accumulation of the algae Karenia brevis, a type of single-celled organism called a dinoflagellate. While most dinoflagellates are harmless, Karenia brevis produces brevetoxins, a suite of polyether neurotoxins that can cause respiratory problems in humans and attack the central nervous systems of fish and other wildlife. Karenia brevis is found almost exclusively in the Gulf of Mexico, and blooms of the algae occur almost annually in the Gulf, particularly in the Tampa Bay to Charlotte Harbor region.
Blooms of Karenia brevis typically occur in four stages: initiation, growth, maintenance, and dissipation or termination. During the initiation stage, a Karenia brevis population first accumulates and moves into an area. In the growth stage, the population steadily increases, and within a few weeks, concentrations may be high enough to kill fish. During the maintenance stage, wind and currents control the bloom's movement, and if the bloom moves inshore, nutrient runoff from the land may promote its expansion. In the final stage, the bloom dissipates or terminates.
Blooms of Karenia brevis can have significant negative impacts on the environment, humans, and coastal economies. For example, when dead fish wash up on beaches due to the neurotoxins produced by Karenia brevis, coastal communities that rely on tourism lose millions of dollars. Beachgoers can also experience eye and respiratory irritation, and shellfish-harvesting businesses lose income when shellfish beds are closed due to shellfish contamination.
In April 2023, low levels of red tide were present at Honeymoon Island in southern Sarasota County, Florida.
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Red tide is worsened by human-caused pollution
Red tide, also known as harmful algal blooms (HABs), is a phenomenon where colonies of algae in the sea or freshwater grow out of control and produce toxic effects on people, fish, shellfish, marine mammals, and birds. While the cause of red tide is still not fully understood by scientists, there is evidence that human-caused pollution can worsen the phenomenon.
In a 2022 study, scientists found a clear link between increasing amounts of nitrogen in the Caloosahatchee River in Southwest Florida and the intensity of red tides on the coast. The study showed that while excess nitrogen does not cause red tide, it exacerbates it, an effect that can take weeks to manifest. This nitrogen comes from nonpoint sources of pollution, such as excess agricultural fertilizers, underground septic tank leaks, and urban stormwater runoff, which diffuse into waterways rather than polluting from a single point.
The results of this study suggest that if humans are influencing environmental flare-ups in one area, they are likely doing so in other waterways as well. Nitrogen, among other pollutants, is a persistent problem causing harmful algal blooms year after year. As summers in South Florida have gotten hotter, algal blooms have become more concerning, sometimes causing massive fish kills. Red tide creates low-oxygen conditions underwater, contributing to these fish kills.
In April 2023, medium levels of red tide were found at Three Rooker Island, just north of Honeymoon Island State Park in southern Sarasota County, Florida. Low levels were also present at Honeymoon Island and other nearby beaches. Respiratory irritation was reported in Pinellas and Sarasota counties, with fish kills in Sarasota. While the direct cause of these red tides is unknown, the presence of human-caused pollution in the area may have contributed to their severity.
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Red tide is monitored by state environmental officials
Red tide is a higher-than-normal concentration of algae that is harmful to marine life and causes respiratory irritation in some people. It is monitored by state environmental officials, who provide regular updates on the status of red tide in affected areas. For instance, in Florida, the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) publishes a weekly report on red tide conditions in the state. The FWC report for the week ending March 28, 2025, stated that over the past week, no fish kills or respiratory irritation suspected to be related to red tide were reported in Florida.
In addition to these reports, the FWC also offers a Red Tide Hotline and other resources, such as a Google Earth map that provides detailed information on sample dates and cell concentrations. The public can also call a dedicated number to hear a recording about red tide conditions throughout the state. These reports and updates are typically released on Friday afternoons, except during holidays when they are released on the closest day.
State environmental officials play a crucial role in monitoring red tide conditions and keeping the public informed about potential health risks. In the case of Honeymoon Island, located in southern Sarasota County, Florida, state environmental officials have reported varying levels of red tide presence over time. For example, in April 2023, officials detected low levels of red tide at Honeymoon Island and the surrounding areas, including Hurricane Pass, Nokomis Beach, and Siesta Beach.
In October 2024, following Hurricane Helene, red tide was again detected in the waters off Honeymoon Island, this time at low to medium concentrations. The presence of red tide during the hurricane cleanup posed additional challenges for residents and business owners already dealing with waterlogged debris and power outages. County officials warned of potential respiratory irritation, especially for those working near the coast, and advised residents with existing respiratory issues to stay away from the beaches.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Honeymoon Island has been affected by red tide.
Red tide is a higher-than-normal concentration of algae that is harmful to marine life and causes respiratory irritation for some people.
Signs of red tide include dead fish and red water.
Red tide can cause fish kills and other wildlife effects.
If you experience respiratory irritation due to red tide, consult health authorities or other medical professionals for advice.
