While conditions appear clear along Florida’s coastlines, trace amounts of the red tide organism, Karenia brevis, were detected in three water samples collected over the past week in Southwest Florida. According to recent data, the organism was present at background concentrations in one sample each from Manatee, Sarasota, and Charlotte counties.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) continues to monitor the situation closely, examining chlorophyll satellite imagery provided by the University of South Florida (USF) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NOAA NCCOS). Current imagery shows no indication of elevated algal biomass in the region.
In contrast, K. brevis was not observed in any samples collected over the past week in Northwest Florida or along the Florida East Coast.
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Fortunately, 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 across the state.
While the current detection in Southwest Florida remains at background levels and poses no immediate threat, authorities emphasize the importance of continued vigilance and monitoring of coastal waters. Residents and visitors are advised to stay informed about any potential changes in conditions.
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