A type of toxic algae, Karenia brevis, lives in the Gulf of
Mexico throughout the year at low concentrations. When environmental
conditions, like temperature, nutrient levels, and wind, are right, the
algae population explodes and huge blooms form. These blooms release
massive amounts of brevotoxin into the ocean. With their characteristic red color, these red tides affect Florida, Louisiana, Alabama, and Texas.
The effects of red tides don’t stop at animals. People can be sickened from the toxins in the water or in tainted shellfish. K. brevis, the dinoflagellate causing red tides in Florida, can cause respiratory problems, particularly for people with asthma or allergies.
Red tides cause an estimated $82 million in economic losses each year due to beach and fishing closures, including associated drops in tourism and seafood revenues.
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