Water samples collected on Monday, Oct. 26, 2015, at the Pensacola Beach Fishing Pier showed very low number of cells and did not exceed the “Not Present†threshold on the Karenia brevis scale (map attached). Results from collected water samples today, Oct. 30, will be received next week.
In moderate to high concentrations, the toxin (brevetoxin) from K. brevis may cause fish kills and may cause symptoms in humans. Brevetoxins are released into the surrounding seawater, and become associated with small drops of water that may blow ashore. The most common effect to humans on or near beaches is respiratory irritation. Neurotoxic Shellfish Poisoning (NSP) can occur if affected clams, oysters, mussels, etc. are consumed.
Forecasts by the USF-FWC Collaboration for Prediction of Red Tides show little net movement of bloom patches over the next three days. More information will be available shortly at MyFWC.com/RedTideStatus.
Escambia County Marine Resources Division (850-595-3474) will continue to monitor the bloom and will work with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute and other agencies to keep the public informed.
Important Telephone Numbers
HAB status reports are available via telephone: (866) 300-9399 (Outside Florida, dial (727) 552-2448)
To report fish kills: (888) 404-3922
Florida Poison Information Center: (800) 222-1222
Additional Information
http://myfwc.com/redtidestatus
http://myfwc.com/research/redtide/general/contact/
http://myfwc.com/research/redtide/statewide/
http://www.freshfromflorida.com/Divisions-Offices/Aquaculture
