Red Tide Status Update for October 12, 2018
Current Conditions
Bloom concentrations of the Florida red tide organism, Karenia brevis, persist in Southwest, Northwest, and Southeast Florida, with patchiness observed in each region. Additional details are provided below.
In Southwest Florida, K. brevis concentrations decreased in parts of Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee and Collier counties, and increased in Monroe County over the past week, resulting in patchier bloom conditions along the coast. Observations of >1,000,000 K. brevis cells per liter (“high” concentrations) occurred only in Southwest Florida this past week, at two sites in Pinellas County. In Northwest Florida, K. brevisconcentrations generally decreased in Bay, Gulf, and Pasco counties. On the East Coast, K. brevis concentrations increased in St. Lucie County, and decreased in parts of Palm Beach County. On the East Coast, up to “medium” concentrations of K. brevis were observed from St. Lucie to Miami-Dade counties, with the exception of Broward County, where up to “low” concentrations were detected.
- In Southwest Florida over the past week, K. brevis was observed at very low to high concentrations in Pinellas County, background to low concentrations in Manatee County, background to low concentrations in Sarasota County, background concentrations in Lee County, background concentrations in or offshore of Collier County, and background to low concentrations in Monroe County. For additional information, view the southwest coast report
and map .
- In Northwest Florida over the past week, K. brevis was observed at very low concentrations in Escambia County, very low concentrations in Santa Rosa County, background concentrations offshore of Walton County, and background to low concentrations in Bay County. For additional information, view the northwest coast report and map .
- On the East Coast over the past week, K. brevis was observed at background to medium concentrations in St. Lucie County, background to medium concentrations in or offshore of Martin County, very low to medium concentrations in or offshore of Palm Beach County, background to low concentrations in Broward County, and background to medium concentrations in Miami-Dade County. For additional information, view the east coast report and map .
Fish Kills
In Southwest Florida, reports of fish kills were received for Pinellas, Sarasota, and Collier counties. In Northwest Florida, reports of fish kills were received for Okaloosa, Walton, and Bay counties. Along the East Coast of Florida, reports of fish kills were received for Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade counties. More detailed information is available at /fishkill.
Respiratory Irritation
Respiratory irritation was reported over the past week in Southwest Florida (in Pinellas, Manatee, Sarasota, Lee, and Collier counties). Respiratory irritation was also reported in Northwest Florida (in Escambia and Okaloosa counties) and the Florida East Coast (in Palm Beach County). For additional information, view the southwest coast report , the northwest coast report , and the east coast report .
Forecast
Forecasts by the USF-FWC Collaboration for Prediction of Red Tides
for Southwest Florida from Pinellas to northern Monroe counties predict net southern transport of surface waters and southeastern movement of subsurface waters for most areas over the next three days. North of the Keys in Florida Bay, three-day forecasts predict southern transport of surface and subsurface waters for most areas. Three-day forecasts in Northwest Florida from Escambia to western Gulf counties predict variable movement of surface waters and northeastern movement of subsurface waters in most areas.
Red Tide Status Map (October 12, 2018)
View a larger map (October 12, 2018)
To see detailed information on this week's samples, view the current Statewide Google Earth map for October 12, 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
|
