Fish kills, red tide reported on local beaches

Some portions of Manatee and Sarasota beaches are experiencing high levels of red tide concentrations, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

The FWC recently received calls of fish kills in northern Longboat Key, Lido Key and Siesta Key.

FWC spokesperson Kelly Richmond said menhaden, eel, mullet, remora and one red drum had been reported dead so far.

Red tide is caused by the growth of K. brevis, a type of phytoplankton that releases brevetoxins that are harmful to marine animals and humans.

“We continually monitor these concentrations,” Richmond said.

Just because the three areas have high concentrations of red tide, that isn’t to say that the entire area has this level.

According to FWC’s red tide report for last week, areas in Manatee and Sarasota counties had background to low concentrations, which is 0 to 100,000 cells per liter of water. A high reading is over 1 million cells per liter of water.

Richmond suggested beach goers monitor conditions through Mote or the FWC weekly report. Those with respiratory issues could experience agitation or scratchy throats and may want to spend limited time on affected beaches.

Anyone can report a fish kill at the FWC’s Fish Kill Hotline by calling 800-636-0511.

This story was originally published September 23, 2016 at 4:05 PM with the headline "Fish kills, red tide reported on local beaches."