Red tide rises in the east as it begins to set in the west

Red tide levels have increased on the east coast since the start of October, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Thursday report.

Tests showed small algae blooms present in Martin and Palm Beach counties at the end of September. The presence of the algae, also known as Karenia brevis, has since increased to a “high” concentration in one location in Palm Beach County and a medium concentration in Martin, Saint Lucie, Broward and Miami-Dade counties.

This is the eighth time red tide has been reportedly seen on the east coast since 1950, FWC stated.

FWC also observed red tide levels lessening on the west coast, where 145 miles of shoreline had been polluted by the toxic algae, primarily in Sarasota, Charlotee, Lee and Collier counties.

However, fish kills were still reported in Pinellas, Manatee and Sarasota counties where red tide was likely the cause, FWC said.

Red tide was observed on the panhandle in Escambia, Santa Rosa, Walton, Bay and Gulf with a medium concentration. The report was conducted before an analysis of the area could be made regarding the effects of Hurricane Michael.

Prior to the storm, experts were unsure if Michael would decrease the algae’s expansion or spread it.

jpedersen@orlandosentinel.com, 407-420-5268, @JoeMarPedersen on Twitter or @JoeMarioPedersenJournals on Facebook