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According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, toxic algae blooms, commonly referred to as red tide, have been observed in various parts of the Texas Gulf Coast. These areas include the upper coast surrounding Galveston Bay and the lower Laguna Madre in the Rio Grande Valley.
It’s the first time Texas has seen a red tide since 2018, when it affected the upper and middle parts of the state’s coast.
The occurrence of red tide usually initiates in the late summer or early fall. On September 3, authorities from Parks and Wildlife observed the first signs of red tide near Freeport, located south of Houston.
According to the state agency’s estimates, red tide has been linked to at least two instances of fish kills. One occurred on Surfside-Quintana beaches near Freeport, while the other took place between Sargent Beach and Matagorda Beach last week.
Red tide is caused when colonies of microalgae rapidly grow and produce toxins that can make people, fish and other sea creatures sick. When red tide algae, which occur naturally in the Gulf’s waters, reproduce in mass quantities in one location, they form “blooms,” which are visible as discolored patches of water often reddish in color.
Swimming in water with a high concentration of red tide can cause individuals to encounter discomfort in their eyes, nose, and throat. They may also experience symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. The toxins released by red tide can become airborne, posing a risk when inhaled by people. Additionally, the toxins have a paralyzing effect on fish, affecting their central nervous system and preventing them from breathing. Consequently, this frequently results in numerous deceased fish being found on Gulf beaches, particularly in Florida, where this occurrence is almost an annual event during the summer.
Red tides in Texas happen less often and don’t last very long, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
TPWD stated that their team is closely monitoring the situation and collaborating with other organizations, such as NOAA, to assess beach conditions.
According to Lerrin Johnson, a spokesperson for TPWD, it is challenging to determine the duration of the red tide in Texas. He further explained that prolonged droughts, similar to the lack of rainfall witnessed in most parts of Texas this year, can contribute to the formation of algal blooms, specifically red tide.
The agency has reason to believe that the red tide occurring in the vicinity of Freeport and Galveston Bay could be responsible for the fish mortality observed at San Luis Pass, Surfside Beach, and Quintana Beach.
The Brazoria County parks department said staff checking beach conditions reported respiratory symptoms caused by discolored water and scattered dead fish at Quintana Beach and Follet’s Island Beach. County officials are asking people to stay off beaches for safety.
Red tide has been found in the lower Laguna Madre region, specifically at Good Hope Circle Beach and the Gulf Beach in Cameron County.
Disclosure: Texas Parks And Wildlife Department has been a financial supporter of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune’s journalism. Find a complete list of them here.
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