Southwest Florida beaches are currently littered with countless dead fish and eels. A so-called red tide is the cause of the deaths of the animals – this is what the dreaded, highly toxic algal blooms in the United States are called. The “red tide” is caused by microscopic algae that can also be dangerous to humans…
Authorities in the small town of Fort Myers said Wednesday they plan to use heavy equipment to remove the carcasses of dead fish that have washed up on beaches. The health authority had already issued a health warning last week after water samples showed evidence of a “red tide”.
“The increased levels of dead fish washed up with the tides may be caused by a ‘red tide’, a toxic algal bloom that occurs regularly,” said a spokeswoman for the city of Fort Myers.
Algae produce odorless, poisonous gas
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC for short), such a so-called red tide occurs “when microscopic algae multiply to above-average concentrations”. This microorganism, called Karenia brevis (K. brevis), is a single-celled dinoflagellate that produces brevetoxins — poisonous and odorless gases that can kill fish, birds and other marine life.
These toxic gases can also be harmful to humans and cause respiratory problems, according to the FWC. These neurotoxins float over the waves – almost like after a military poison gas attack – so local authorities advise against any activity in the water.
Gas clouds driven ashore can cause mucous membrane irritation and breathing difficulties in humans, it is said. “My wife was coughing and I was coughing,” Mike Fenton, a Connecticut resident who is currently visiting Florida, tells a reporter. “We’re going now because I have a sore throat.”
Over-fertilization promotes the formation of „Red Tides”
Experts suspect that the phenomenon – comparable to the so-called blue-green algae – is promoted by over-fertilization in industrial agriculture and by incorrect waste processing. . But too much unwanted manure also ends up in the sea via lawns or sewage treatment plants, which is said to promote the development of ‘red tides’.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
