Tests on beach water samples taken Monday show red tide has returned to Seagate after tests last week showed it had gone away, the Collier County pollution control department reported Tuesday.
Red tide is a bloom of microscopic algae that can emit a toxin that can kill marine life and cause respiratory irritation, from coughing to sneezing and water eyes, in humans.
The most recent tests showed red tide at very low levels at Seagate and Big Marco Pass; it was not present or at background levels at Goodland Bridge, Caxambas Pass, the Collier Boulevard boat ramp, South Marco Beach, Naples Pier, Vanderbilt Beach and Barefoot Beach.
Offshore winds starting tonight should help lessen red tide effects at the beaches, but people with respiratory illnesses should avoid going to the beach, the county warned.
Dead fish are still being reported on the beaches and back bay areas of Marco Island. Respiratory irritation has not been reported since Nov. 15.
To report red tide symptoms or dead fish, call 239-252-2502. Red tide updates are available on the county's hotline, 239-252-2591, or by going to wwww.colliergov.net/redtideupdates.
Marco Island Code Compliance Board
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 0
Be the first to post a comment!
Share your thoughts
Comments are the sole responsibility of the person posting them. You agree not to post comments that are off topic, defamatory, obscene, abusive, threatening or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be banned. Click here for our full user agreement.