The largest red tide bloom in Florida has killed what is believed to be thousands of fish and could become even more dangerous if it washes ashore, as it is expected to over the next two weeks. This is the largest bloom seen since 2006.
The algal bloom stretches from the curve of the Panhandle to the Tampa Bay; it covers a total area of about 80 miles by 50 miles, Reuters reported. The bloom occurs when algae gets out of control and produces deadly toxins. The algae can also cause respiratory problems in humans, such as coughing and wheezing.
"It could have large impacts if it were to move inshore," Brandon Basino, a spokesman for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) told Reuters. "It has been killing a lot of marine species, especially fish, as it waits offshore."
Last year a smaller bloom closer to shore was linked to a record number of deaths among Florida manatees, which are considered to be an endangered species.
"I have seen analogies that equate red tide with a forest fire," Kellie Dixon, manager of the ocean technology program at the Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota, Florida told Reuters. "There is an ecosystem reset."
Two underwater robots named Waldo and Bass were used to help collect data on the movement of this year's red tide. Researchers also organized a three-day boating expedition in which they tested waters across 2,000 square miles. They found evidence of red tide at the bottom of the ocean, which could be swept to land by currents. Some researchers are not as concerned about the bloom as others.
"It looks like it's coming in," Alina Corcoran, an FWC research scientist on the expedition told Reuters. "All of southwest Florida is not doomed. This is normal. It happens all the time."
