February 26, 2025, 10:07 am | Read time: 2 minutes
Anyone currently planning a beach vacation in the “Sunshine State” of Florida should think twice about going into the water. The reason is that a toxic carpet of algae is currently spreading along the coast. It is not only killing countless fish but can also be dangerous to humans. TRAVELBOOK reveals what the “red tide” is all about.
Overview
“Red Tide” — a Danger for Florida’s Coastline
Florida’s coast is currently facing a challenge that affects both vacationers and locals. The so-called “red tide” — an algae bloom that spreads along the beaches — can pose a serious health risk to humans and animals. According to Wusf, the algae carpet stretches over 320 kilometers from Tampa Bay to Key West along the southwest coast of Florida. But why are the microorganisms so dangerous?
The Risks of the Algae Plague
The “red tide” is a phenomenon that has been occurring on the southwest coast of Florida for years. Here, the microalgae species Karenia brevis is spreading rapidly and stretches along the coast like a red carpet — with dangerous consequences. This is because the algae bloom releases so-called brevetoxins, highly potent neurotoxins. If the algae are hit by a wave, they release their powerful neurotoxin, as reported by the Tagesschau. The infestation is particularly fatal for fish and turtles — in most cases, they do not survive the poisoning.
The algae are not harmless to humans either. The vapors of the microorganisms can cause respiratory problems such as coughing, irritation of the mucous membranes, or even asthma symptoms. At the same time, skin and eye irritation, as well as rashes on the body, are possible — bathing should, therefore, be strictly avoided. Caution is also advised when eating seafood from the region, as eating poisoned seafood can lead to gastrointestinal problems and skin rashes.
Symptoms such as vomiting and shortness of breath Dangerous poisonous algae spreads in the Mediterranean!
Overview More and more Mpox cases – how travelers can protect themselves
Collector's Paradise in the Netherlands You Can Find Ancient Fossils on This Beach
These Are the Causes of the “Red Tide”
This natural phenomenon is nothing new. Algae infestations occur time and again on the Florida coast and in other places around the Gulf of Mexico. According to
National Geographic, irritating fumes and dead fish in the water were reported as early as the 16th century. Researchers cite a combination of various factors as the cause. Studies by the University of South Florida point to ocean currents, which influence the nutrient content of the water and, therefore, the growth of the algae. According to the “Marine Protection Foundation,” wastewater contaminated with fertilizers that enters the sea also increases the likelihood of an algae infestation.