Mote Marine Laboratory detected low levels of the potentially harmful algae “red tide” along Sarasota County’s coastline this week. Red tide toxins are always present in the Gulf of Mexico, but this discovery had more than normal levels. High levels of red tide could kill fish and cause respiratory problems in people. But beach goers do not have reason to worry, yet.
A normal amount of red tide in Gulf waters is about 1,000 cells per liter. Mote scientists found several-thousand cells per liter off the Coast of Sarasota on Monday.
Mote scientist Vincent Lovko says these numbers do not reflect the Gulf of Mexico as a whole.
"Whatever is happening right now does seem to be patchy and at low levels from what we can tell, currently," said Lovko.
He said his team will continue to monitor the red tide levels. But right now, Sarasota residents should not be concerned. Lovko said locals should check the Mote and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission websites to stay informed.
