Red tide confirmed at St. George Island in Franklin County

Water samples taken on St. George Island this week confirmed the presence of red tide after dozens of reports of fish kills and respiratory irritation, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. 

Taken in the waters near the St. George Island lighthouse and at Bob Sikes Cut, the samples show a moderate amount of the saltwater algae that bloom in abundance under the right conditions.

Another sample taken on Dog Island to the east found very low amounts of the algae. But eight samples taken in Apalachicola Bay found it was not present or was only in background amounts, which do not produce adverse effects.

Previous coverage:State officials working to confirm red tide, cause of fish kills off St. George Island

Opinion:We're using all strategies to fix red tide. Why not to protect our kids?

Over the past few days, the FWC has received more than two dozen reports of dead fish on its hotline. A number of people have reported trouble breathing outdoors due to the bloom.

A “medium” reading was on water samples closest to shellfish harvesting — although Apalachicola Bay oyster harvesting is already on hold for the next few years. It can produce enough chlorophyll to be detected by satellites.   

Red tide, which scientists call harmful, is caused by naturally occurring algae called Karenia brevis, or K. brevis. When K. brevis appears in large quantities – typically in the Gulf of Mexico – it can turn ocean water red, brown or green.

K. brevis contains harmful toxins that can affect the nervous systems of fish, birds and mammals.

Contact Karl Etters at ketters@tallahassee.com or @KarlEtters on Twitter.

Never miss a story:  Subscribe to the Tallahassee Democrat using the link at the top of the page.