Red tide intensifies

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – For the first time this year, some local waters are showing high levels of red tide.

Water samples taken on March 10 at Longboat Pass showed high concentrations of the red tide organism, Karenia brevis, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). High levels can cause respiratory irritation, shellfish harvesting closures, probable fish kills, water

Red Tide Report

High (respiratory irritation, shellfish harvesting closures, fish kills, water discoloration)

Medium (probable respiratory irritation, shellfish harvesting closures, fish kills)

Low (possible respiratory irritation, shellfish harvesting closures, fish kills)

Very low (possible respiratory irritation)

Background (no effects)

None (no red tide present)

Source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission SEE RED TIDE, PAGE 11