Water Quality Fact Sheet

Red Tide Updates

Red tide occurs naturally in the Gulf of Mexico. It is a higher-than-normal concentration of a microscopic alga (a plant-like microorganism). Beaches are not closed during a red tide.

For more information, visit the website of the Florida Fish & Wildlife Research Institute: http://research.myfwc.com/features/view_article.asp?id=9670

View frequently asked questions about red tide: http://research.myfwc.com/support/view_faqs.asp?id=13

View a current red tide status report: http://www.floridamarine.org/features/view_article.asp?id=12373

Red Drift Algae

There are many types of red drift algae, which primarily are found on beaches. The one that sometimes washes up on Lee County beaches, Ceramium, is a feathery, seaweed-type red alga – or plant-like organism – that breaks off rocks and other hard-bottom structures in the Gulf and washes ashore. In the surf, it begins to decompose, becomes surrounded by bacteria and turns the near-shore area a muddy brown.

When red drift algae washes ashore and decay in the hot sun, it produces a bad odor.
It’s impossible to predict how long red drift algae will remain present in the environment. Under normal conditions, the tides will wash any onshore algae back out to sea.

The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel cleans the beaches when needed, but area leaders are dedicated to keeping the beaches as natural as possible, so they try to let Mother Nature run her course whenever possible. That sometimes means letting the tides wash the algae back out to sea rather than removing it immediately.

Humans have discovered many different uses for red seaweeds. Two substances found in the cell walls of red algae are agar and carrageenan. These are gelling compounds that are used in food products and scientific research.

Carrageenan is an important ingredient in toothpaste and many milk products, such as ice cream and chocolate milk. Agar has many scientific applications in microbiology, biotechnology and criminology; and it also is used in the packaging of canned meats.

One of the most popular seaweed food products is red seaweed called nori (Porphyra), which is used in sushi wraps and other Japanese dishes. Nori is grown in commercial seaweed farms on the east coast of North America and in Asia.

Health Facts & Tips

Red drift algae will not make people sick, but if large quantities of it are on shore and decay in the hot sun, it can produce a strong odor that can irritate anyone with respiratory conditions like asthma or bronchitis.

It is safe to be on the beach with red drift algae, but people should avoid contact with it, particularly if it is has an odor, which indicates it’s decaying. It’s best to leave any form of algae on the beach alone.

It also is safe to swim with red drift algae, but, as with any water condition, use caution. If the algae appears to be decaying either in the water or on land, it’s best to leave it alone.

Seafood Safety Tips

Only harvest shellfish from approved waters. If you’re not sure if harvesting is allowed, contact the Florida Division of Aquaculture at 941-833-2552 or on the web at www.floridaaquaculture.com/seas/seas_mngmt.htm

Note: At low levels, red drift algae does not affect fish or shellfish. If there is a high concentration of red drift algae in the water, more than likely the shellfish is not consumable, and you should probably stay clear of any fish caught in this type of water.

Fish and shellfish in area restaurants are harvested only from areas that are safe for consumption.