Low levels of red tide algae still in Manatee waters. Health department issues warning

The organism that causes red tide is still lingering at elevated levels in waters around Manatee County, including near Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key.

In the latest batch of local water sampling, Karenia brevis was found at background to low concentrations in 11 samples, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

FWC also received reports of fish kills thought to be caused by red tide in Manatee County over the past week. Respiratory irritation, another common side effect of a red tide bloom, has been reported in Manatee County since late April, but it was not reported this week.

Local health officials issued an advisory on Thursday warning people against swimming near dead fish in the area. They also advised that people with chronic respiratory issues should consider avoiding the affected beaches entirely for now.

Complete details of the week’s water sampling results will be released on Friday. Data available on Wednesday showed that low levels of K. brevis were recently recorded at the Rod and Reel Pier in Anna Maria; at the Holmes Beach Boat Ramp; at Beer Can Island; and at the Sunshine Skyway Fishing Pier. Very low levels were detected at Longboat Pass and in several samples in lower Tampa Bay near Manatee County.

Sarasota County waters also had low levels of K. brevis in recent samples, according to FWC. There also were recent reports of fish kills.

As of Thursday afternoon, local beaches on Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key were free of fish kills and respiratory irritation, according to Mote Marine Laboratory’s live beach conditions tracker.

FWC will issue its next red tide report on Friday.

Fish kills can be reported to FWC at 800-636-0511 or online at myfwc.com/research/saltwater/health/fish-kills-hotline.

Red tide safety

Here are some more tips from FDOH-Manatee for staying safe around red tide:

• Do not swim around dead fish at this location.
• If you have chronic respiratory problems, be careful and consider staying away from this location as red tide can affect your breathing.
• Do not harvest or eat molluscan shellfish and distressed or dead fish from this location. If fish are healthy, rinse fillets with tap or bottled water and throw out the guts.
• Keep pets and livestock away from water, sea foam and dead sea life.
• Residents living in beach areas are advised to close windows and run the air conditioner (making sure that the A/C filter is maintained according to manufacturer’s specifications).
• If outdoors, residents may choose to wear paper filter masks, especially if onshore winds are blowing.

• Illness thought to be caused by red tide can be reported to Florida Poision Control Centers 24/7 at 1-888-232-8635.

This story was originally published May 19, 2021 at 6:04 PM.