Gulf of Mexico Harmful Algal Bloom Forecast

Panama City, Florida – In the Gulf of Mexico, some harmful algal blooms are caused by the rapid growth of the microscopic algae species Karenia brevis (commonly called red tide). Red tide can cause respiratory illness and eye irritation in humans. It can also kill marine life. Blooms are often patchy, so impacts vary by beach and throughout the day.

NOAA monitors conditions daily and issues twice-weekly forecasts for red tide blooms in the Gulf of Mexico and East Coast of Florida.

Harmful algal blooms (HABs), the rapid growth of algae, can produce toxins that have harmful effects on people, fish, marine mammals, birds and local economies.

NOAA’s Center for Operational Oceanographic Products and Services (CO-OPS) provides routine HAB forecasts to help members of the public make informed decisions when a bloom is temporarily affecting their area. The forecasts also aid people responsible for responding to bloom impacts.

*The following three images:  The table lists the highest level of potential respiratory irritation forecast. K. brevis concentrations are patchy in nature and levels of respiratory irritation will vary locally based upon nearby bloom concentrations, ocean currents, and wind speed and direction

Effects of Red Tide

Respiratory and Eye Irritation: Temporary coughing, sneezing, itchy throat and eyes. Symptoms may be more severe for those with pre-existing respiratory conditions such as asthma.

What Can You Do:

• Be aware that bloom impacts may be temporary and not all coastal areas will be affected throughout the region.
• If you experience uncomfortable symptoms consider leaving the surrounding area in favor of nearby beaches that are not impacted.
• If you can, plan your trip by checking beach conditions before you go:
  • NOAA’s Conditions Reports include Respiratory Irritation Forecasts.
  • Hotels and tourism centers will often have information about which beaches are experiencing impacts and alternate beach options.
• If necessary, consult your healthcare provider or call the Poison Information Center (1-800-222-1222) for 24 hour assistance from a medical professional.

For More Information:

• Florida Department of Health.

Contaminated Shellfish: Toxins in shellfish. (Commercial seafood from local restaurants and seafood markets is safe to eat because it is tested for red tide toxins before it is sold.)

What Can You Do:

• Always check on the status of shellfish harvesting areas before engaging in recreational harvesting. State authorities monitor the levels of Karenia brevis (the red tide organism):
  • Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Division of Aquaculture

Animal Illness: Blooms of red tide can produce a toxin that can affect the central nervous system-potentially causing marine animal deaths.

What Can You Do:

• Do not harvest distressed or dead fish.
• Avoid swimming in areas where dead fish may be present because they may be associated with harmful bacteria.
• Pets can be affected by Florida red tide too! If bringing your pet to the beach, do not allow them to play with dead fish because if they eat contaminated fish, they may become sick. Wash them if they go swimming in the water.
• Report fish kills:
  • Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute
• Report dead, sick, or injured marine mammals or sea turtles:
  • FWC’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute