Red tide present in several Island locations

MARCO ISLAND — Harmful algae blooms of red tide were reported in five locations in the Marco Island area, officials from Collier County Pollution Control wrote in a report released Tuesday afternoon.

Red tide is at low levels near the Goodland Bridge, Caxambas Pass and at very low levels at Big Marco Pass, northeast of the Judge S.S. Jolley Bridge.

The low levels at Goodland Bridge and Caxambas Pass are enough to cause fish kills and respiratory irritation, but none were reported.

The normal levels at Big Marco Pass and South Marco Beach indicate the red tide is present, but not at high enough levels to kill fish or cause respiratory irritation.

Very low levels near the Jolley Bridge may cause irritation.

“Patchy, very low impacts” are possible through Thursday, the report says, and people with chronic respiratory problems, such as asthma or emphysema, should exercise caution when going to the beach.

Variable winds are forecasted from now into the weekend, which may help the algae dissipate, from the five out of eight testing sites where the algae was detected.

Water samples will be taken again Tuesday.

To report dead fish or red tide symptoms, call the Collier County Pollution Control and Prevention Dept. at (239) 252-2502.

The Collier County Red Tide Hotline offers an automated recording with the most recent red tide information available 24 hours a day, everyday, by calling 252-2591.