While Florida’s Gulf Coast remains largely clear of significant red tide activity, trace amounts of the organism Karenia brevis have been detected in routine water samples collected over the past week. According to the latest report, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) confirmed the presence of the red tide organism at background concentrations in two separate locations.
In Southwest Florida, one sample collected from Sarasota County showed the presence of K. brevis. Similarly, in Northwest Florida, the organism was observed at background levels in one sample taken from Bay County.
READ: Four Florida Panthers Killed By Vehicles In Early May, FWC Data Shows
The report emphasizes that despite these detections, satellite imagery analyzing chlorophyll levels, provided by the University of South Florida (USF) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS), indicates no signs of elevated algal biomass across the Gulf Coast. This suggests that the current concentrations are minimal and not indicative of a widespread bloom.
In contrast to the isolated Gulf Coast findings, the report noted that K. brevis was not observed in any samples collected along the Florida East Coast over the past week.
Furthermore, there were no reports of fish kills suspected to be related to red tide received by the FWC’s Fish Kill Hotline or partner organizations during the same period. Additionally, no instances of respiratory irritation potentially linked to red tide were reported statewide.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
