Sad...Red Tide

[serpentman]

I was on vacation last week with the family in Orlando. We decided to take an afternoon jaunt to the west coast of FL, Siesta Key to be specific, to take in what I consider, one of the best beaches in the world. What awaited us was very disappointing as they were experiencing a red tide. I have heard of this phenomenon but never experienced it in person. I can tell you, it is aweful as it leaves nothing but death in its wake. Literally, the beach was littered with dead clams, sea bass, sea horses, trigger fish and tons of other marine animals including this sad (and huge) green sea turtle:

For those who are unfamiliar with them, red tide is basically an algae bloom that goes out of control and depletes oxygen as well as releases toxins in the water. A lot is still unknown as to what causes them. In some instances, it is believed that pollution is to blame. However, in FL, it is believed they are a natural phenomenon.

 

[Chaotic Reefer4u]

serpentman, this is so heartbreaking...

 

[mg426]

Very sad indeed. nature can be mighty unforgiving.

 

[Aquai]

I've heard of similar occurunces. Some blame fertilisers leeching into the water but it's not always the case.

Nothing can really stop the blooms unfortunately, it's like a tank crach on a major scale.

 

[ogdlow]

Very sad.. I had never, untill now, heard of this.

So.. sounds like there is nothing they can do to prevent?

 

[vonodie1]

That is just horrible.

If you have not experienced a red tide, you are a lucky one.

I experienced my first one right after moving here to South Padre in 2000. It can cause your eyes to sting and irritate your throat while breathing.

The last one we had was a year ago and it was worse than the first one. Dead fish washing ashore all over. It made my eyes water and my throat burn just stepping outside.

 

[mfp4073]

Yeah, it sucks, but as far back as I can remember its just kinda a natural process and is not limited to any one specific area (like it would if a power plant or something dumped a bunch of bad stuff). I almost wonder if its like a forest fire sometimes. I have never heard of a redtide being blamed for killing off an entire species.

 

[Nano Chris]

I just think of it as nature replentishing its-self, in a sad kinda way. Things happen, somethings can be prevented and some can not.

 

[Thurge]

It used to hit us in Tampa just about every year, and if not this year maybe two smaller outbreaks next. Its pretty much a natural thing that is exaserbated by man. the Organism that causes it is found in the water year round and then blooms over the summer. It really sucks if you are in a red tide outbreak but the only nice thing that can be said is that only in the worst years does it really spread out. It was usually more of a local thing, like Central Florida and not the Pan Handle or south Florida. Usually only affects sea mammals as a secondary effect of eating tainted fish or respratory distress. Also closes the area to shell fishing.