Post Ian Red Tide Persists

BRADENTON – A massive red tide bloom that took root off the coast of Sarasota in the weeks after Hurricane Ian continues to spread as reports of positive samples, fish kills, and respiratory irritation have reached at least six counties, including Manatee.

Karenia brevis (red tide) was detected along Florida’s Gulf Coast in 72 samples taken last week. Bloom concentrations (>100,000 cells/liter) were present in 40 samples: one in Manatee County, 31 in Sarasota County, one in Charlotte County, five in and offshore of Lee County, and two in and offshore of Collier County, according to the FWC. Low levels were also found in Pinellas County as the bloom slowly drifts north toward the mouth of Tampa Bay.

There is concern that a persistent bloom could serve as a one-two punch to coastal communities whose economies were first impacted by damage from the storm itself. The relationship between algal blooms and hurricanes is not yet fully understood.

"I don't see any good evidence that hurricanes initiate a red tide, but once you have a red tide started, runoff will make it worse," Dr. Larry Brand, a scientist, and professor at the University of Miamitold the Fort Myers News-Press.