Florida reels after worst toxic algae outbreak in more than a decade ravages the coastline battering tourism and decimating local endangered wildlife

Florida reels after worst toxic algae outbreak in more than a decade ravages the coastline battering tourism and decimating local endangered wildlife

  • The algal overgrowth occurs each year but intensifies because of heat, pollution and stagnant water
  • It first started in October, but has quickly become the longest outbreak to hit the southwest coast since 2006 
  • Marine wildlife including sharks, dolphins, manatees, endangered sea turtles and a plethora of fish have washed ashore sick or dead 
  • Back in July, 15 people were treated on Monday and Tuesday by the Martin Health System for symptoms related to algae toxins
  • Health issues for humans start kicking in at just 10,000 algae cells per liter – the same level needed to kill fish
  • The intense bloom has also racked in concentrations of 1 million cells per liter or more in various parts of the state – and especially Lee County 

A toxic algae bloom is devastating the Florida coast and its surrounding waters, killing endangered sea turtles, sharks, dolphins, manatees and a plethora of fish.

The algal overgrowth occurs each year but intensifies because of heat, pollution and stagnant water. It first started in October, but has quickly become the longest outbreak to hit the southwest coast since 2006, reports the Huffington Post.

In some parts of the state, the water is covered in green gunk which blocks sunlight and oxygen from getting to marine vegetation, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

The cyanobacteria overgrowth occurs each year but intensifies because of heat, pollution and stagnant water

The cyanobacteria overgrowth occurs each year but intensifies because of heat, pollution and stagnant water

Scores of fish have washed ashore in southwest Florida as water concentration only needs to have 10,000 cells per liter of water and most places have over 1million

Scores of fish have washed ashore in southwest Florida as water concentration only needs to have 10,000 cells per liter of water and most places have over 1million

Online records, kept by the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, show that approximately 80 manatees have died because of the red tide this year. In 2017, only 67 manatees died compared to 277 in 2014, 151 in 1996 and 100 in 2003.

Records also show that hammerhead sharks and at least one whale shark have died because of the algae. Photos also show a dead dolphin wash up on shore.

Sea Turtles are taking even a larger hit, with the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation reporting that 91 sick/dead turtles have been picked up on the Sanibel Island.  ……more here

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