Red tide concentrations have significantly increased in Northwest Florida over the past week, with bloom-level concentrations of the organism Karenia brevis detected in samples from Bay and Gulf counties, according to the latest status report.
The red tide organism was observed in 23 samples collected along Florida’s coasts, with bloom concentrations present in eight samples—all originating from Bay and Gulf counties in the Northwest region.
Focus on the Northwest Coast
The Northwest Florida coast is currently experiencing the most severe impacts.
- Bay and Gulf Counties saw K. brevis at concentrations ranging from background to high (Bay County) and medium to high (Gulf County).
- Confirmed fish kills, suspected to be related to the red tide, were reported to the FWC’s Fish Kill Hotline or other partners in both Bay and Gulf counties.
While the Northwest sees significant blooms, other areas show a much lower concentration:
- Southwest Florida: K. brevis was found at background concentrations in single samples from Pinellas County and offshore of Lee County.
- Florida East Coast: The organism was detected at background concentrations in one sample from Flagler County.
Crucially, respiratory irritation suspected to be related to red tide was not reported over the past week in Florida.
Forecast and Tracking
Scientists are utilizing satellite imagery (USF and NOAA NCCOS) to monitor nearshore and offshore conditions.
- Forecast: Short-term (3.5-day) forecasts by the USF-FWC Collaboration for Prediction of Red Tides indicate a net southeastern to southern movement of surface waters in most areas from Bay County to northern Monroe County. Subsurface waters are predicted to move southeastward.
- The next official red tide status report is scheduled for release on Friday, November 7.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to consult the daily sampling map available on the FWRI Red Tide website and utilize resources like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Gulf Coast Harmful Algal Blooms Forecast for the most current information.
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