ANNA MARIA ISLAND – NOAA reports a continuing risk of red tide-related respiratory irritation in Manatee and surrounding counties, with impacts varying by beach and with wind direction.
Respiratory irritation was reported in Manatee County at Manatee Beach and Coquina Beach from July 29 through Aug. 5, as well as in Sarasota, Pinellas, Charlotte and Lee counties, according to Friday’s Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission weekly report.
Red tide produces a neurotoxin called brevetoxin that can cause respiratory irritation, coughing, and more serious illness for people with severe or chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma, emphysema or COPD, according to the Florida Department of Health. Health officials recommend that people experiencing symptoms stay away from the water, go inside to an air-conditioned space, or wear masks, especially during onshore winds.
Manatee County had medium levels of red tide in water samples at the Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach and the 10th Street pier on Aug. 2.
Low levels were detected at Longboat Pass boat ramp in Bradenton Beach and the Rod and Reel Pier in Anna Maria on Aug. 2.
Current forecasts are available at habforecast.gcoos.org and at visitbeaches.org.
Red tide-related fish kills were reported over the past week in Manatee, Sarasota, Pinellas and Charlotte counties.
Health officials warn against swimming near dead fish, and advise keeping pets away from dead fish and seafoam, which can contain high concentrations of algae. Pets are not allowed on Anna Maria Island’s beaches, but are allowed on the Palma Sola Causeway on Manatee Avenue.
Officials also warn that consuming shellfish exposed to red tide can cause neurotoxic shellfish poisoning.
Five conservation groups filed a lawsuit on June 24 against HRK Holdings, the owners of the closed Piney Point phosphate plant in Manatee County, and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, claiming that the discharge of 215 million gallons of nutrient-rich wastewater from Piney Point’s phosphogypsum stack could be feeding the algae bloom. The nutrients nitrogen and phosphorus act as fertilizer for the red tide algae. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection sued HRK on Aug. 5.
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