Junior Rasmussen
Hurricane Helene has brought devastation to the region, and as residents return to their homes and businesses to clear out debris, they face a new threat in the form of red tide. Water samples have confirmed the presence of red tide in the waters off Honeymoon Island, with low to medium concentrations of Karenia brevis, the algae that causes this harmful algal bloom. This raises concerns for the health and safety of residents, as red tide can cause respiratory issues and potential fish kills, adding to the challenges faced by the community in the aftermath of the hurricane.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Red Tide at Honeymoon Island | Yes |
| Cause | Karenia brevis, the algae that causes red tide blooms |
| Effects | Respiratory irritation, fish kills |
| Water Quality | Good, with no advisories |
| Beach Status | Open |
| Red Tide Status | Low to medium concentrations |
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What You'll Learn
Red tide is caused by a higher-than-normal concentration of algae
Red tide is a colloquial term for a harmful algal bloom (HAB) that occurs when there is a higher-than-normal concentration of algae in marine waters. These blooms are caused by certain species of phytoplankton containing photosynthetic pigments that vary in colour from green to brown to red. While red is the most common pigment, giving the phenomenon its name, the discolouration of the water can vary from white to almost black, and some blooms may not be visible at all.
HABs have negative impacts on other organisms, producing natural algae-produced toxins, causing water deoxygenation, and mechanical damage to other organisms. A small percentage of algae produce powerful toxins that can kill fish, shellfish, mammals, and birds, and may directly or indirectly cause illness in people. In addition, when masses of algae die and decompose, the decomposition process depletes the oxygen in the water, causing animals to leave the area or die.
In the case of Honeymoon Island, water testers found lower levels of red tide in the waters off the island in October 2024, during the cleanup after Hurricane Helene. The red tide was caused by the algae Karenia brevis, which can lead to respiratory irritation for people in beachside communities, especially with onshore winds. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission warned that when red tide concentrations are at medium levels, up to 1 million Karenia brevis cells per 1 litre of water, fish kills are probable and human breathing can become difficult.
To monitor red tide conditions, Florida provides a hotline that can be called at any time to hear a recording of the latest updates, as well as email subscriptions for status updates.
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Red tide is harmful to marine life
Red tide has been detected in Pinellas County waters, including Honeymoon Island. Water samples found a high concentration of harmful algae offshore of the island. While red tide can be harmful to humans, it is particularly dangerous to marine life.
Red tide is caused by a microscopic algae called Karenia brevis, which produces toxins called brevetoxins. These toxins can accumulate in primary consumers such as zooplankton, fish, and bivalves, and then be transferred to predators such as fish, crustaceans, and other bottom-dwelling organisms. Brevetoxins affect fish regardless of species or developmental stage, causing violent twisting and corkscrew swimming, defecation, regurgitation, pectoral fin paralysis, and loss of equilibrium, among other symptoms. Ultimately, fish die because their gills stop functioning. In most cases, death from brevetoxin exposure is immediate, but it can also occur after long-term exposure.
Red tide can also lead to the death of invertebrates, including shrimp, sponges, sea urchins, crabs, and certain shellfish. Marine mammals, such as the endangered Florida manatee, have also been affected by red tide, with suspected red tide-related deaths first reported in 1965 and extensive die-offs occurring in the following decades.
In addition to the direct impact on marine life, red tide can also have indirect effects. For example, the nutrients deposited from rotting fish can create a positive feedback loop that increases red tide and causes additional marine life to wash ashore. The large-scale die-offs of fish and other marine organisms can have cascading effects on the marine ecosystem, disrupting food chains and altering the balance of the ecosystem.
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Red tide causes respiratory irritation in people
Red tide is a higher-than-normal concentration of algae that is harmful to marine life and causes respiratory irritation in people. It is caused by the rapid growth of a microscopic algae species called Karenia brevis, which is commonly known as red tide due to the reddish-brown colour it turns the water. While red tide primarily occurs in Florida and Texas, it has also been observed in other coastal regions.
In October 2024, red tide was detected in Pinellas County, Florida, during the cleanup efforts after Hurricane Helene. Water testers found lower levels of red tide in the waters off Pass-a-Grille Beach, the Clearwater Intracoastal Waterway, and Honeymoon Island. The county warned that people in beachside communities, especially those with respiratory issues such as asthma, may experience respiratory irritation while working near the coast.
Red tide produces toxic chemicals that can become airborne and cause respiratory problems in humans. These toxins can pollute the air and lead to symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, a runny nose, watering and irritated eyes, wheezing, and shortness of breath. People with pre-existing respiratory conditions, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), are at an increased risk of experiencing more severe symptoms.
To protect lung health during red tide events, the American Lung Association recommends avoiding affected areas, swimming in water experiencing red tide, or breathing in tiny droplets in the air that contain toxins. It is also important to continue taking regular medications and to keep a quick-relief or "rescue" inhaler on hand at all times in case of a flare-up.
While Honeymoon Island State Park's main beach, parking lot, and dog beach were open as of October 8, 2024, much of the park remained closed, including North Beach, Oasis Beach, bike trails, picnic areas, the Osprey Trail, and the Nature Center. Beachgoers are advised to check for updates and follow any warnings or advisories issued by local authorities.
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Red tide can be worsened by excess nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorous
Red tide, a higher-than-normal concentration of algae, is harmful to marine life and can cause respiratory irritation in humans. It is caused by the microalgal dinoflagellate Karenia brevis, commonly known as K. brevis. While red tide is naturally occurring, algal blooms can be worsened by excess nutrients, specifically nitrogen and phosphorus, from human-caused pollution.
K. brevis is physiologically flexible in acquiring nutrients, ingesting other single-celled phytoplankton and bacteria, as well as taking up simple and complex forms of dissolved nitrogen and phosphorus. The largest source of nitrogen for initiating blooms offshore is derived from the nitrogen gas-fixing marine cyanobacterium (blue-green algae) Trichodesmium. Secondary sources include nutrients released by grazing zooplankton and dead fish. These blooms can then travel inshore and into estuaries, where they acquire additional nutrients from bottom sediments and coastal runoff, contributing to small, localized blooms.
While there is no direct link between nutrient pollution and the initiation or severity of red tides, excess nutrients can fuel algal blooms. This is particularly evident after hurricanes or storms when large amounts of sewage and other pollutants are washed into the ocean. The decay of Trichodesmium blooms has been documented as a long-term nutrient source for K. brevis blooms, providing nitrogen from the air fixed by cyanobacteria.
Nitrogen has historically been a key focus in controlling marine productivity, and nutrient regulation plays a significant role in phytoplankton growth and competition. Studies in Monterey Bay, California, a region known for red tides, have explored the cycling of phosphorus and its impact on harmful algal blooms. Researchers found that while phosphorus is not a limiting nutrient in this region, it does regulate phytoplankton physiology and competition.
In summary, while red tides are naturally occurring, excess nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus from human-caused pollution can worsen the problem. K. brevis is adept at acquiring these nutrients from various sources, and they play a crucial role in fuelling algal blooms, which can have detrimental effects on marine life and human health.
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Red tide can be pushed away from coastal communities by offshore winds
Red tide, caused by the algae Karenia brevis, is a harmful algal bloom that occurs almost annually on Florida's west coast. These blooms can be pushed away from coastal communities by offshore winds, preventing respiratory irritation and fish kills that are associated with red tide. While there is no "magic bullet" solution to control red tide, various strategies and products are being developed and tested to mitigate its impact.
One promising approach is clay flocculation, where a solution of clay and seawater is sprayed over the affected area. The clay particles burst the algal cells, causing them to sink and clearing the bloom biomass from the water. This method has been successful in small-scale field tests, with plans to investigate its effectiveness on a larger scale. Clay flocculation is inexpensive, easily scalable, and has a low environmental impact, making it an appealing option for red tide control.
Another strategy to combat red tide is to focus on limiting agricultural discharge and reducing nutrient sources that fuel the blooms. However, this approach faces resistance from the agricultural industry. Additionally, seeding sea grass beds with clams, as done by the non-profit Sarasota Bay Watch, can help fight red tide by filtering the water.
In the case of Honeymoon Island, red tide was detected in Pinellas County waters during the Hurricane Helene cleanup in October 2024. The presence of red tide added to the challenges faced by residents returning to their homes and workplaces to clear storm debris. Water testing revealed lower levels of red tide in the waters off Honeymoon Island, which can still cause respiratory issues and potential fish kills.
Overall, while there is no single solution to eliminating red tide, a combination of strategies, including clay treatments, limiting agricultural runoff, and ecological initiatives, can help mitigate its impact on coastal communities like Honeymoon Island.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, red tide has been detected at Honeymoon Island.
Red tide, also known as harmful algal blooms, can sicken or kill fish and animals, make seafood unsafe to eat and cause respiratory problems in people, particularly when the wind blows inland.
Low levels of red tide were found at Honeymoon Island, which can still cause respiratory problems and potentially fish kills.
