The red tide organism, Karenia brevis, was detected in 14 water samples collected across Northwest Florida over the past week, although its presence remains at low levels, according to the latest status report.
The organism was found in Bay, Gulf, and Franklin counties at concentrations ranging from background to very low levels. Bloom concentrations which typically cause severe environmental and health impacts, were not observed in any of the samples.
Key Findings and Regional Status
- Northwest Florida: K. brevis was observed at background and very low concentrations. Satellite imagery from November 13 indicated slightly elevated chlorophyll levels, a potential indicator of algal presence, in parts of Bay County, Gulf County (St. Joseph Bay), and Franklin County.
- Fish Kills Reported: Despite the low cell counts, fish kills suspected to be related to red tide were reported in Bay and Gulf counties.
- No Red Tide on Other Coasts: Over the past week, K. brevis was not observed in water samples collected from either Southwest Florida or the Florida East Coast.
- Respiratory Health: No cases of respiratory irritation suspected to be linked to red tide were reported across Florida.
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The current short-term (3.5-day) forecasts, provided by the USF-FWC Collaboration for Prediction of Red Tides, predict variable transport of surface waters along the Gulf Coast. Subsurface currents are also variable from Bay County to Pasco County, and southeastern from Pinellas County to northern Monroe County in most areas.
Officials continue to rely on satellite imagery from USF and NOAA NCCOS to monitor nearshore and offshore conditions. Residents and visitors are encouraged to check the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Gulf Coast Harmful Algal Blooms Forecast for the latest information.
The next official status report on the presence of Karenia brevis is scheduled for release on Friday, November 21.
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