Brevard County Government Officials Respond To Red Tide Invasion Off Space Coast Beaches

By  //  October 20, 2018

SPACE COAST DAILY TV: What is a red tide?

WATCH: Red Tide has invaded the Space Coast and Brevard County government officials are mobilizing to mitigate the situation. Learn about “red tides” and human health in this video from the U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System.

BREVARD COUNTY • COCOA BEACH, FLORIDA – Red Tide has invaded the Space Coast and Brevard County government officials are mobilizing to mitigate the situation.

In response to the arrival of the Red Tide off the Space Coast, the City of Cocoa Beach had Keep Brevard Beautiful crews on the beach all day Friday picking up the dead fish.

Beginning at 7 a.m. Saturday, Brevard County parks officials will be putting red tide-related signage up at these at beach access points: Atlantic Drive Beach Access, Bonsteel, Canova Beach Park, Canova Beach Wallace, Coconut Point, Coral Way East, Crowne Plaza South, Juan Ponce de Leon, Radisson South, River Oaks Road, SPRA Park, Seagull Park and Tracking Station.

The Keep Brevard Beautiful crews will be working through the weekend, and if you would like to volunteer please call 321-458-4363.

The City of Cocoa Beach still urges people with respiratory problems to avoid the beach, especially individuals with COPD or asthma. If you are experiencing an emergency please call 911.

If you take your dogs on the beach is recommended that they do not let them play with or eat the fish, or enter the foam from the waves. In addition, if your dog goes into the water be sure to rinse them off.

In response to the invasion of the Red Tide off the Space Coast, the City of Cocoa Beach had Keep Brevard Beautiful crews on the beach all day Friday picking up the dead fish. Beginning at 7 a.m. Saturday, Brevard County parks officials will be putting red tide-related warning signage up at these at beach access points: Atlantic Drive Beach Access, Bonsteel, Canova Beach Park, Canova Beach Wallace, Coconut Point, Coral Way East, Crowne Plaza South, Juan Ponce de Leon, Radisson South, River Oaks Road, SPRA Park, Seagull Park and Tracking Station.

What is a red tide?

A “red tide” is a common term used for a harmful algal bloom.

Harmful algal blooms, or HABs, occur when colonies of algae—simple plants that live in the sea and freshwater—grow out of control while producing toxic or harmful effects on people, fish, shellfish, marine mammals, and birds. The human illnesses caused by HABs, though rare, can be debilitating or even fatal.

While many people call these blooms ‘red tides,’ scientists prefer the term harmful algal bloom. One of the best known HABs in the nation occurs nearly every summer along Florida’s Gulf Coast. This bloom, like many HABs, is caused by microscopic algae that produce toxins that kill fish and make shellfish dangerous to eat. The toxins may also make the surrounding air difficult to breathe. As the name suggests, the bloom of algae often turns the water red.

HABs have been reported in every U.S. coastal state, and their occurrence may be on the rise. HABs are a national concern because they affect not only the health of people and marine ecosystems, but also the ‘health’ of local and regional economies.

Red Tide Confirmed In South Brevard By Florida Fish and Wildlife, Officials Warn BeachgoersRelated Story:
Red Tide Confirmed In South Brevard By Florida Fish and Wildlife, Officials Warn Beachgoers

But not all algal blooms are harmful. Most blooms, in fact, are beneficial because the tiny plants are food for animals in the ocean. In fact, they are the major source of energy that fuels the ocean food web.

A small percentage of algae, however, produce powerful toxins that can kill fish, shellfish, mammals, and birds, and may directly or indirectly cause illness in people. HABs also include blooms of non-toxic species that have harmful effects on marine ecosystems.

For example, when masses of algae die and decompose, the decaying process can deplete oxygen in the water, causing the water to become so low in oxygen that animals either leave the area or die.

Scientists at the National Ocean Service have been monitoring and studying this phenomenon for a number of years to determine how to detect and forecast the location of the blooms.

The goal is to give communities advance warnings so they can adequately plan for and deal with the adverse environmental and health effects associated with these ‘red-tide’ events.

The Florida Department of Health has posted answers to frequently asked questions about red tide and its health risks at this link, CLICK HERE 

WATCH LIVE: Check Out Brevard Beach Conditions from the Cocoa Beach Pier Live WebcamRelated Story:
WATCH LIVE: Check Out Brevard Beach Conditions from the Cocoa Beach Pier Live Webcam

CLICK HERE FOR BREVARD COUNTY NEWS