Red Tide Crisis and Its Negative Effects On Florida Waters

SANIBEL ISLAND, Fla. - Oct. 28, 2018 - PRLog -- Recently Gov. Rick Scott of Florida declared a state of emergency due to the red tide event that has been devastating marine life on Florida's Gulf Coast, leaving discolored, smelly water and dead wildlife in its wake.  Beaches have been littered with dead and decaying sea life killed by this naturally occurring toxic algae and washed up on shore. But what really is Red Tide, how did it originate and most of all, can it be controlled?

WHAT IS RED TIDE AND HOW DID IT ORIGINATE?

Florida is an area that is no stranger to red tide events. According to explanations from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation, "Red tides were documented along Florida's Gulf Coast as far back as the early 1840's". It is caused by algae blooms, during which algae becomes so numerous that they discolor coastal waters.  Sanibel and Captiva islands (https://www.blueoceanoutdoors.com/search?q=sanibel) were hit particularly hard impacting their environments and sea life as well as its local economy, which is highly reliant on tourism.

WHAT CAUSES RED TIDE?

Major factors influencing red tide events include warm ocean surface temperatures, low salinity, high nutrient content, calm seas, and rain followed by sunny days during the summer months. Red tide is also majorly caused by some certain human activities as they keep on dumping unhealthy chemicals and harmful substance into the ocean.

HOW HUMAN ACTIVITIES AIDS IN CREATING RED TIDE

Red tide begins as algae in the ocean. It is carried to shore by currents and wind. Once closer, the algae can come into contact with nutrients from agricultural runoff, including fertilizers and pesticides, producing a harmful bloom referred to as Red Tide.

The red tide isn't showing any sign of letting up as it moves northward up the coast. In its most recent assessment.....

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