Red tide organism detected again in Manatee waters as it weakens around Florida

Red tide’s presence is weaker in Florida waters this week, according to the latest round of sampling conducted by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

However, the samples that were taken showed an increased presence of the Karenia brevis organism that causes red tide in Manatee County waters.

After an absence of about two weeks, K. brevis was detected at background levels off of Manatee County. The mid-week status report from FWC did not disclose where the trace levels of K. Brevis were detected. Samples were collected at 12 coastal or offshore locations around the county.

At background levels, no unpleasant side effects from K. brevis are anticipated for wildlife or humans.

The state did not receive any reports of fish kills or respiratory irritation from Manatee over the past week.

In Sarasota, K. brevis was found at background to medium concentrations last week. This week, it was not detected. Respiratory irritation was reported there.

In the rest of Southwest Florida, bloom concentrations (more than 100,000 K. brevis cells per liter) were observed in six samples taken at offshore or coastal sites in Charlotte, Lee, and Collier counties.

However, high concentrations were not observed anywhere in the state for the first time since September.

K. brevis was not observed at any level in Northwest Florida or along the East Coast.