Massive ‘Florida Red Tide’ Is Now 90 Miles Long and 60 Miles Wide
This particular type of red tide, sometimes called “Florida red tide,” occurs when a microscopic algae called Karenia brevis (or K. brevis for short), begins to multiply out of control.
Florida red tides do not seem to be affected by human activity. They have been observed off the Florida coast since the 1700s and usually start between 10 and 40 miles offshore.
But just because they occur naturally doesn’t mean they are no big deal. K. brevis produces a toxin that attacks the central nervous systems of fish, birds, and marine mammals. Already, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reports that thousands of snapper, grouper, grunts, crabs, bull sharks, lionfish, sea snakes, octopus, and eel have been found dead.
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