Red tide returns to Seagate in Naples, officials say

  • Posted November 28, 2012 at 5 a.m.
Dead fish are seen washed ashore Friday, Oct. 19, 2012, at Barefoot Beach State Preserve in Bonita Springs. An agal bloom, known commonly as red tide, is a phenomenon where high concentrations of Karenia brevis, a microscopic marine algae, contain toxins that paralyze the nervous system in fish. In large quantities, they cause the water to appear red or murky, hence the name. The blooms can affect humans causing eye and respiratory conditions such as coughing, sneezing, tearing and itching.

Photo by COREY PERRINE, Naples Daily News // Buy this photo

Dead fish are seen washed ashore Friday, Oct. 19, 2012, at Barefoot Beach State Preserve in Bonita Springs. An agal bloom, known commonly as red tide, is a phenomenon where high concentrations of Karenia brevis, a microscopic marine algae, contain toxins that paralyze the nervous system in fish. In large quantities, they cause the water to appear red or murky, hence the name. The blooms can affect humans causing eye and respiratory conditions such as coughing, sneezing, tearing and itching.

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.

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