What is Red Tide?

If you live near or are planning a visit to the ocean, you may have heard of the term “red tide,” but chances are you’re not 100% sure what it means. So, what exactly is red tide?

Algae blooms

Simply put, red tide is a commonly used term for a harmful algae bloom, or HAB. The term “red tide” can be somewhat of a misnomer, since not all HABs produce a red color and not all colored water is due to HABs. “Red tide”  nevertheless refers to all HABs that occur in the ocean.

What are algae?

Algae are simple plants that live in the sea or in freshwater. When certain types of algae grow out of control, they can produce toxins that have harmful effects on people, birds, fish, shellfish and marine mammals. For example, a type of algae called Karenia brevis can cause respiratory and skin irritations in people when it occurs in a HAB. It can also kill large numbers of fish and other sea life and make shellfish poisonous to humans.

Red tides in Florida

Red tide occurs most years along the Florida coast. The good news is that cleanup crews work hard to get rid of the algae and make the beach and the water safe. The cleanup around Madeira Beach is largely complete, and it’s safe to enjoy the area’s businesses and beaches.

The water in Madeira Beach is ready for you to enjoy, so what are you waiting for? Woody’s Watersports is open and ready for business. Book a rental jet ski from Woody’s Watersports today and get ready to have a great time out on the water.

For the latest information on Red Tide please refer to https://myfwc.com/research/redtide/statewide/.