![]() Red tide algae make potent natural toxins. Countries affected by red tide events include: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Denmark, England, France, Guatemala, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, New Guinea, Peru, the Philippines, Romania, Russia, Scotland, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, the United States, and Venezuela ( WHOI, 2007, CDC, 2012). Detection of a spread is thought to be influenced by higher awareness of red tide, better equipment for detecting and analyzing red tide, and nutrient loading from farming and industrial runoff. However, since the 1980s harmful red tide events have become more frequent and widespread. In addition, algae related to red tide can spread or be carried long distances by winds, currents, storms, or ships. Major factors influencing red tide events include warm ocean surface temperatures, low salinity, high nutrient content, calm seas, and rain followed by sunny days during the summer months ( NOAA). Karenia brevis - found in the Gulf of Mexico along the west coast of Florida.Alexandrium catenella - found along the Pacific coast from California to Alaska.Alexandrium fundyense - found along the Atlantic coast from the Canadian Maritimes to southern New England. ![]() Species in the United States that release these harmful toxins include: The algal bloom may also deplete oxygen in the waters and/or release toxins that may cause illness in humans and other animals. Red tide is a phenomenon caused by algal blooms (Wikipedia definition) during which algae become so numerous that they discolor coastal waters (hence the name "red tide"). ![]() The water in Penn Cove (Coupeville, WA) turned orange on 5/8/04 due to a "red tide." Photo courtesy of Mary Jo Adams (copyright 2004).
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