The red tide organism, Karenia brevis, continues to be an issue in Southwest Florida.
Over the past week, red tide was observed at background to low concentrations in seven samples collected from or offshore of Charlotte County, background to high concentrations in thirty-six samples collected from or offshore of Lee County, very low to high concentrations in fifteen samples collected from or offshore of Collier County, and very low concentrations in two samples collected from or offshore of Monroe County.
Fish kills were reported in Southwest Florida in Lee County (at Bonita Beach, the Causeway Islands, Fort Myers Beach, Gasparilla Island, Lighthouse Beach, Lovers Key State Park, Lynn Hall Beach Park, Newton Park and Tarpon Bay) and Collier County (at Barefoot Beach, Clam Bay, Gordon Pass, Seagate Beach, South Marco Beach and Vanderbilt Beach). Respiratory irritation was reported over the past week in Lee County (4/20 - 4/21 and 4/24 – 4/26 at Bonita Beach; 4/21 and 4/24 – 4/26 at Lovers Key; 4/19 and 4/26 at Lynn Hall Beach Park) and Collier County (4/19 – 4/22 and 4/24 – 4/26 at Barefoot Beach; 4/23 at Clam Bay; 4/24 at Seagate Beach; 4/19 and 4/24 – 4/25 at Vanderbilt Beach).
The FWRI Red Tide Status Line is now available to callers throughout the state. FWRI updates the recording each Friday by 5 p.m. Red Tide Status Line: 866-300-9399 (toll-free inside Florida only); 727-552-2448 (outside Florida).
To report a fish kill report: Fish Kills and Fish Kill Hotline
