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ENVIRONMENT

Red tide concentrations at Collier beaches mostly diminishing

Alexi C. Cardona
Naples

The concentration of red tide at Collier County beaches are mostly diminishing, according to a Tuesday report from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

The FWC’s Fish and Wildlife Institute tested water samples from five Collier beaches —Barefoot Beach State Preserve, Vanderbilt Beach, Seagate Beach, near the Naples Pier and South Marco Beach. Since April 9, red tide concentrations at four of those beaches diminished; concentrations at one remained about the same.

Dead marine life lines the shore Tuesday, April 17, 2018, at Barefoot Beach Preserve County Park in northern Collier County. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has reported that red tide persists in Southwest Florida.

Karenia brevis, the organism that causes red tide, showed up in very low concentrations at Barefoot Beach last week and in Tuesday’s report. The Fish and Wildlife Research Institute found 7,000 Karenia brevis cells per liter of water at Barefoot Beach. That level could cause respiratory problems.

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Red tide was not present at the Naples Pier, according to the report. That was an improvement from very low levels of the organism last week.

At Vanderbilt and Seagate beaches, red tide levels went from very low last week to background concentrations Tuesday.

Signs indicate the presence of red tide on Tuesday, April 17, 2018, at Barefoot Beach Preserve County Park. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has reported that red tide persists in Southwest Florida.

South Marco Beach had low concentrations of Karenia brevis last week and very low concentrations Tuesday.

These samples do not test offshore waters, where red tide could be causing fish kills

Background concentrations of red tide have no effect on people or marine life, according to the FWC. Very low levels can cause respiratory problems and close shellfish harvesting areas. Low concentrations cause fish kills.

Dead marine life lines the shore on Tuesday, April 17, 2018, at Barefoot Beach Preserve County Park. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has reported that red tide persists in Southwest Florida.

County officials said Monday they still were receiving reports of fish kills and respiratory problems, especially at Barefoot Beach and South Marco Beach.

Officials said people with respiratory issues should avoid the beach. Red tide conditions could persist through mid-week.

More:Red tide causing fish kills, breathing trouble at some Collier, Lee beaches

More:Red tide persists off SWFL coast

 

Dead marine life lines the shore on Tuesday, April 17, 2018 at Barefoot Beach Preserve County Park. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has reported that red tide persists in Southwest Florida.