algae

Researchers say Hurricane Ian brought red tide, destroyed artificial reefs from as far away as 30 miles from the coast and could impact the state's fishing industry.

In the next few months, scientists will be monitoring the current, temperature and tropical storm activity, as these factors can shift red tide blooms.

Researchers will look to sediments for information on past blooms and what they can tell us about today's events.

Blue-green algae blooms can impact human health and ecosystems, including fish and other aquatic animals. Many types of blue-green algae can produce toxins.

One activist would like the Harmful Algal Bloom Task Force to analyze whether Florida's nutrient regulatory mechanisms are working, saying there could be something inherently wrong with them, or they're not being enforced by government agencies as designed.

Observing for long-term health effects of algae will take between five and 10 years of studying. And now, during the pandemic, a new question has come up.

The beaches along Pinellas County should be mostly clear this weekend, officials reported, but a health alert was issued for Picnic Island and Davis Islands in Hillsborough.

The pet's family had been boating on a canal that had algae toxin levels nearly three times higher than what is considered harmful to humans.

Blue-green algae blooms become more common in Florida lakes during the summer and early fall. That's when temperatures are high, days are long and storms flush nutrients into the water.

The Department of Health in Pinellas County sent out the alert on Friday as a red tide bloom that has been found in Tampa Bay and along the county's beaches spread north to Sand Key.