Florida Red Tide

Eating clams, oysters or other shellfish from restricted areas during a Florida red tide can result in Neurotoxic Shellfish Poisoning or “NSP”.  It is safe to eat fish and shellfish sold in restaurants during a Florida red tide event, since restaurants receive commercially harvested seafood from safe areas.  Signs and symptoms of NSP include: vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and tingling of the fingers, followed by loss of feeling and control of the legs, and sometimes difficulty breathing.  If symptoms are severe, call 911 for emergency treatment.  If symptoms are mild, contact your doctor. 

People can also be exposed to Florida red tide toxin through the air.  Symptoms can include coughing, sneezing and watery eyes.  People with asthma or other lung conditions may find their conditions are aggravated when they are near the beach, especially on days with an onshore breeze.  Returning to an air conditioned area usually relieves discomfort.  Anyone who experiences continued difficulty breathing after being on the beach during a red tide should seek medical attention at once. 

The past 20 years have been a very productive time in freshwater and marine toxin research.  Scientists have identified the organism responsible for Florida red tide – Karenia brevis, a microalgae that resides in Gulf waters year-round, but which seasonally forms huge blooms that can kill fish, marine mammals and birds.  Scientists have also learned more about the effects of Florida red tide toxin, called brevetoxin, on people who breathe it along the shores or while boating.  Research continues on these and other aquatic toxin topics.  For more information, please visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute website or the Florida Department of Health Aquatic Toxins Program website. Both of these websites provide detailed information on red tide and other marine toxins including health information. 

• To report symptoms from Florida red tide or any aquatic toxin, call 1-800-232-8635 and speak to a poison specialist.
• To report fish kills to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, call 1-888-636-0511.
• To view current beach condition reports for Southwest Florida, go to www.mote.org/beaches or call 941-BEACHES.