Patchy red tide is forecast to remain high in the air and water around Anna Maria Island through at least Monday, Nov. 5, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
The Nov. 2 report shows high concentrations of red tide in water samples collected on Oct. 29 in the Gulf of Mexico at Cortez Beach in Bradenton Beach and at Longboat Pass boat ramp in Sarasota Bay, with medium concentrations at the Rod and Reel Pier in Anna Maria and at School Key and Mead Point in lower Tampa Bay.
Red tide was not found in Gulf waters 40, 50 and 60 miles west of the Island on Oct. 25, but was found in high concentrations 9 miles out.
Respiratory irritation was reported Oct. 25-27 and Oct. 29-31 at Coquina Beach (Bradenton Beach) and Oct. 24-Nov. 1 at Manatee Beach (Holmes Beach).
Fish kills also were reported in Manatee County over the past week.
Background concentrations of red tide cause no anticipated effects. Low levels can cause respiratory irritation, shellfish harvesting closures and possible fish kills. Medium levels can cause respiratory irritation, shellfish harvesting closures and probable fish kills. High levels can cause all of the above, plus water discoloration.
Red tide is a type of algae that emits a neurotoxin when it blooms. Deadly to fish, sea turtles, marine mammals and shorebirds that feed on affected fish, red tide makes shellfish unfit to eat, and can cause respiratory irritation in people, especially those with asthma, COPD or other respiratory diseases.
The toxic algae bloom has been spreading in the southwest Gulf of Mexico for the past year, reaching Anna Maria Island in early August. It was detected in Florida’s east coast waters in October.