11-30-2012, 12:10 PM
Red tide information
Concentration ranges and possible effects:<br />
* Background Levels: 1,000 cells or less per liter typically causes no impacts<br />
* Very Low Levels: 1,000 to 10,000 cells per liter can lead to respiratory irritation and shellfish harvesting closures<br />
* Low Levels: 10,000 to 100,000 cells per liter can cause fish kills<br />
* Medium Levels: 100,000 to 1,000,000 cells per liter is likely to cause a fish kill<br />
* High Levels: 1,000,000 or more cells per liter shows discoloration that can be detected by satellites
Researchers with Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota hope water samples taken off Lee County beaches will provide crucial details about the mysterious formation and life cycle of Karenia brevis, the microscopic marine algae that causes red tide blooms in Southwest Florida.
Water quality scientists at the facility have tried for years to collect dozens of samples that contain Karenia brevis in an attempt to understand what fuels the algae and even what other types of algae it competes against for marine resources....
Karenia brevis and other forms of algae occur naturally in coastal waters, although stormwater runoff and excess nutrients are believed to extend and/or intensify red tide blooms. Some forms of algae thrive under low nutrients loads while others need a more intense amount of fuel....
"There's still a lot of research that needs to be done," Bartleson said. "A lot of funding for (research about) harmful algae blooms has been cut drastically."
Red tide is a generic term used to describe algal blooms with higher than normal concentrations. The outbreaks can turn patches of coastal waters red or brown, although the bloom is not dependent on tidal cycles.
Bartleson said he expects the study "will probably show that red tide is very good at taking up nitrogen."
To report dead fish or red tide symptoms, call 239-252-2502. Red tide updates are available by calling the county hotline at 239-252-2591 or by going to www.colliergov.net/redtideupdate
Concentration ranges and possible effects:<br />
* Background Levels: 1,000 cells or less per liter typically causes no impacts<br />
* Very Low Levels: 1,000 to 10,000 cells per liter can lead to respiratory irritation and shellfish harvesting closures<br />
* Low Levels: 10,000 to 100,000 cells per liter can cause fish kills<br />
* Medium Levels: 100,000 to 1,000,000 cells per liter is likely to cause a fish kill<br />
* High Levels: 1,000,000 or more cells per liter shows discoloration that can be detected by satellites
Researchers with Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota hope water samples taken off Lee County beaches will provide crucial details about the mysterious formation and life cycle of Karenia brevis, the microscopic marine algae that causes red tide blooms in Southwest Florida.
Water quality scientists at the facility have tried for years to collect dozens of samples that contain Karenia brevis in an attempt to understand what fuels the algae and even what other types of algae it competes against for marine resources....
Karenia brevis and other forms of algae occur naturally in coastal waters, although stormwater runoff and excess nutrients are believed to extend and/or intensify red tide blooms. Some forms of algae thrive under low nutrients loads while others need a more intense amount of fuel....
"There's still a lot of research that needs to be done," Bartleson said. "A lot of funding for (research about) harmful algae blooms has been cut drastically."
Red tide is a generic term used to describe algal blooms with higher than normal concentrations. The outbreaks can turn patches of coastal waters red or brown, although the bloom is not dependent on tidal cycles.
Bartleson said he expects the study "will probably show that red tide is very good at taking up nitrogen."
To report dead fish or red tide symptoms, call 239-252-2502. Red tide updates are available by calling the county hotline at 239-252-2591 or by going to www.colliergov.net/redtideupdate