ANIMALS
More – Naples, FL, Red tide striking hard Goliath Grouper (Related video available on TMX)
Fish kills suspected to be related to red tide have been reported in southwest Florida in recent weeks, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
A video and photos shared by Yadel Lopez show what appears to be a large Atlantic Goliath grouper washed up dead on the beach in Naples on Wednesday.
Red tide is a type of harmful algal bloom that occurs when colonies of algae grow out of control and produce toxins that can kill marine life, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. They can also cause human illnesses or make the air near the water difficult to breathe.
The FWC collects water samples daily to measure concentrations of the red tide organism, Karenia brevis. The agency on March 3 reported bloom concentrations of K. brevis in and offshore multiple southwestern counties, including Collier County, which includes Naples.
On March 1, Collier County reported dead fish and respiratory irritation at all county beaches. The county also reported dead fish in the back bays of Cocohatchee River, Moorings Bay and Naples Bay.
The county warned residents with chronic respiratory illnesses to avoid the beach due to onshore winds.
The FWC said fish kills and respiratory irritation suspected to be related to red tide have been reported in Pinellas, Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee, and Collier counties, and offshore of Monroe County.
