Hernando County recently issued the following announcement.
UF/IFAS Extension Hernando County Florida Sea Grant volunteers, County staff and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's (FWC) biologists and law enforcement are working hard to provide the public with up-to-date, science-based information on red tide in our area.
Red tide is a term used to describe a particular type of harmful algal bloom caused by an accumulation of the microscopic algae, Karenia brevis. It originates offshore in nutrient-poor waters and is almost always present offshore at low or harmless concentrations. Tides and currents transport red tide inshore where it can feed on excess nutrients from numerous sources. It is present in varying concentrations along Hernando's coast, and a team is actively monitoring the fluctuating conditions.
Toxins produced by red tide can be harmful to fish, birds and other marine life. Unfortunately, when these natural toxins are in high enough concentrations, fish kills are often seen.
Blooms of red tide can be irritating for people and their pets. Wave action can break open the red tide cells and release the toxins into the air, causing eye and respiratory irritation. While generally safe, swimming in waters containing red tide can cause skin irritation. If you are experiencing respiratory irritations, leave the area, and the symptoms should go away.
Harvesting shellfish in areas experiencing red tide is not recommended. Clams and oysters filter red tide from the water and the toxins accumulate in their tissues. Bay scallops are also filter-feeding organisms and harbor the toxins in their gut tissues. Generally, the white muscle of scallops is safe to eat. Cooking does not destroy the toxins.
Crabs, shrimp and finfish do not accumulate red tide toxins in the muscles, making them generally safe to consume. However, it is recommended to discard finfish guts and shellfish tomalley because toxins can accumulate in these areas. Never consume dead or distressed animals.
If you do see a fish kill or abnormal conditions, please report those observations to the FWC: https://myfwc.com/research/saltwater/health/fish-kills-hotline/
To view Hernando’s weekly water sampling results, visit the daily sampling map found here: https://myfwc.com/research/redtide/statewide/
Original source can be found here.
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