What is the main cause of red tide?

What is the main cause of red tide?

Red tides are caused by algae, which are tiny, microscopic organisms that grow in the water. This water, called runoff, eventually flows into the ocean and can cause algae to grow faster, leading to red tides.

What kind of algae causes red tide?

At least three species of dinoflagellates and one diatom species are responsible for the toxic mess of red tides in the United States. These microscopic forms of algae produce toxins that can sicken humans and be fatal for marine animals.

What is causing red tide in Florida?

Red tide in Florida and Texas is caused by the rapid growth of a microscopic algae called Karenia brevis. When large amounts of this algae are present, it can cause a harmful algal bloom (HAB) that can be seen from space.

Is red tide caused by pollution?

Scientists generally believe that coastal pollution from human sewage, agricultural runoff, and other sources contributes to red tides, along with rising ocean temperatures. 5 On the Pacific coast of the United States, for example, red tide occurrences have been increasing since at least 1991.

What are symptoms of red tide in humans?

People who eat shellfish contaminated with red tide can experience gastrointenstinal and neurological distress, nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, muscular aches, tingling in the tongue, lips, throat and extremities. Symptoms usually appear within a few hours after eating contaminated shellfish and vanish in a few days.

How harmful is red tide to humans?

However, the red tide can cause some people to suffer skin irritation and burning eyes. People with respiratory illness may also experience respiratory irritation in the water. Use common sense. If you are particularly susceptible to irritation from plant products, avoid an area with a red tide bloom.

Are the red tides natural or unnatural?

Red tides contain dense concentrations of organisms and appear as discolored water, often reddish-brown in color. It is a natural phenomenon, but the exact cause or combination of factors that result in a red tide outbreak are not necessarily known.