Red Tide Mid-Week Update for October 3, 2018
Current Conditions
A bloom of the Florida red tide organism, Karenia brevis, persists in Southwest Florida and extends along ~135 miles of coastline, from northern Pinellas to northern Collier counties, and offshore (10 miles or more). A patchy bloom of K. brevis continues in Northwest Florida. A bloom of K. brevis was also observed on Florida’s East Coast for the first time this past week. Additional details are provided below.
- Over the past week in Southwest Florida, K. brevis concentrations generally decreased in areas of Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee and Collier counties, creating patchier bloom conditions along the coast. Observations of >1,000,000 K. brevis cells per liter (“high” concentrations) occurred in Pinellas, Hillsborough, Sarasota, and Lee counties and >10 miles offshore of Hillsborough County, but at fewer sites relative to last week.
- In Northwest Florida, K. brevis was observed in or offshore of Okaloosa, Walton, Bay, Gulf, and Pasco counties, with up to “medium” concentrations observed in Bay County and offshore of Walton County.
- On the East Coast, K. brevis was observed in St. Lucie, Martin and Palm Beach counties; up to “medium” concentrations occurred only in and offshore of Palm Beach County.
Fish Kills
In Southwest Florida, reports of fish kills were received for multiple locations in Pinellas, Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee and Collier counties. In Northwest Florida, reports of fish kills were received for areas in and/or offshore of Okaloosa, Walton, Bay, Gulf and Franklin counties. Along the East Coast of Florida, reports of fish kills were received for St. Lucie and Palm Beach counties.
Respiratory Irritation
Respiratory irritation was reported in Southwest Florida (in Pinellas, Manatee, Sarasota, Lee and Collier counties) and along the East Coast of Florida (in Palm Beach and St. Lucie counties) over the past week.
Forecast
Forecasts by the USF-FWC Collaboration for Prediction of Red Tides
for Pinellas to northern Monroe counties predict northwestern transport of surface waters and net southeastern movement of subsurface waters for most areas over the next three days. Three-day forecasts for Northwest Florida predict minimal net transport of surface waters and northeastern movement of subsurface waters from Escambia to western Gulf counties. Forecasts for Pasco County predict northwestern transport of surface waters and eastern movement of subsurface waters over the next 3 days.
The next complete red tide status report will be posted on Friday, October 5th.
Red Tide Status Map (October 3, 2018)
View a larger map 
(October 3, 2018)
To see detailed information on this week's samples, view the current Statewide Google Earth map for October 3, 2018.
By using Google Earth, you can zoom in to specific locations and click on stations to see detailed information, including sample date and cell concentration. You must have Google Earth installed on your computer to view this map; the software can be downloaded from the Google Earth website.
Archived status maps can be found in our Flickr gallery. Previous regional status reports and maps can be found on our red tide resources page.
Latest Red Tide Status Report Available by Phone
Call 866-300-9399 at any time from anywhere in Florida to hear a recording about red tide conditions throughout the state. Callers outside of Florida can dial 727-552-2448. Standard calling charges apply.
Reports are updated on Friday afternoon except during holidays, in which case the report will be released on the closest day. Additional information, if available, is provided on Wednesday afternoon. To receive an e-mail when the current status has been updated, visit our subscription area.
Additional Information
For additional information about red tide and the current red tide bloom, including information on how to report a fish kill or other wildlife effects, consult health authorities about human exposure, or locate other resources, visit our Red Tide-Related Hotlines and Information Sources article.
Blue-Green Algae Bloom Information
Additional information regarding the current status of algal blooms in South Florida is being consolidated and posted on the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s website: https://floridadep.gov/dear/algal-bloom.
| Description | Karenia breviscells/liter | Possible Effects (K. brevis only) |
|---|
| NOT PRESENT - BACKGROUND |
background levels of 1,000 cells or less |
None anticipated |
| VERY LOW |
>1,000 to 10,000 |
Possible respiratory irritation; shellfish harvesting closures > 5,000 cells/L |
| LOW |
>10,000 to 100,000 |
Respiratory irritation, possible fish kills and bloom chlorophyll probably detected by satellites at upper limits |
| MEDIUM |
>100,000 to 1,000,000 |
Respiratory irritation and probable fish kills |
| HIGH |
>1,000,000 |
As above plus discoloration
|
