February 26, 2025, 1:52 p.m. | Reading time: 3 minutes
Anyone who is currently planning a beach vacation in the “Sunshine State” of Florida should think carefully about whether to go into the water. The reason: A toxic carpet of algae is currently spreading along the coast. Not only does it cause countless fish to die, but it can also be dangerous for people. Sunnytrips reveals what the “Red Tide” is all about.
“Red tide” – a danger to Florida’s coast
The risks of algae plague
These are the causes of the “Red Tide”
“Red tide” – a danger to Florida’s coast
Florida's coast is currently facing a challenge that affects both vacationers and locals. The so-called “Red Tide” – an algae bloom that spreads along beaches – can pose a serious health risk for humans and animals. According to “Wusf”, the southwest coast of Florida is particularly badly affected by the algae plague, where the carpet of algae stretches over 320 kilometers from Tampa Bay to Key West. But why are the microorganisms so dangerous?
Health DangerHistoric algae plague off the USA continues to spread
Just before the high season because of the smell and slime! Beaches on popular Canary Island closed
The risks of algae plague
Red tide is a phenomenon that has occurred along the southwest coast of Florida for years. Here the microalgae species Karenia brevis is spreading rapidly and stretching along the coast like a red carpet - with dangerous consequences. The algae bloom releases so-called brevetoxins, highly effective neurotoxins. If the algae are hit by a wave, they release their powerful neurotoxin, as the “Tagesschau” reports. The infestation is particularly fatal for fish and turtles - in most cases they do not survive the poisoning.
The algae are also not harmless to humans. The vapors from the microorganisms can cause respiratory problems such as coughing, irritation of the mucous membranes or even asthma symptoms. At the same time, skin and eye irritations as well as rashes on the body are possible - so bathing should be strictly avoided. Caution is also advised when consuming local seafood, as eating poisoned seafood can lead to gastrointestinal problems and skin rashes.
These are the causes of the “Red Tide”
The natural phenomenon is not new. Algae plagues occur again and again on the coast of Florida and in other places around the Gulf of Mexico. According to National Geographic, irritating fumes and dead fish in the water were reported as early as the 16th century. Researchers say the cause is an interaction of various factors. Studies by the University of South Florida refer, on the one hand, to the ocean currents, which influence the nutrient content of the water and thus the growth of algae. According to the Marine Protection Foundation, wastewater that is contaminated with fertilizers and ends up in the sea also increases the likelihood of algae infestation.
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