Red Tide

Red tide is caused by an outbreak of micro-organisms in the water which deplete it of oxygen, causing large fish kills and respiratory irritations such as cough, watery eyes, scratchy throat, and sometimes, headache. Unless you have pre-existing respiratory conditions such as asthma, it is usually not dangerous.    It is not unsafe to swim during a “normal” red tide, but sometimes there are bans on harvesting shellfish if the bloom has been of a long duration. The severe red tide of 2018 was not a normal red tide. It was unusually severe and of long duration.

Little Gasparilla Island usually suffers from a red tide 2-3 times a year.  Usually it is worse in late summer, but no one can predict its approach.  It occurs all along the Gulf Coast usually from Tampa to Marco Island. Because it is a naturally occurring organism, it can be present in the Gulf waters frequently. It usually only affects your enjoyment of the island and the beach if the bloom is severe.

If the bloom is severe, it is best stay indoors. Depending on wind direction, the air can be offensive one day and there will be no issues the following day. If there is a fish kill, it is best to bury the dead fish in the sand right at the beach to remove the smell and then the beach is usually tolerable.

You can learn more about red tide and it's causes here.  You can help protect our island from red tide by getting involved with Captains for Clean Water.

Red Tide + Dogs

Dogs are often more susceptible to the organism than humans.  If they sleep outdoors, swim a lot or eat dead fish on the beach, they can succumb to red tide toxins which can have severe short-term neurological effects, including temporary blindness, stumbling, appearing almost “drunk” and — in severe cases — minor seizures.  These effects are usually short-lived.  If your dog has been exposed to the toxin and you notice stumbling or apparent dizziness, contact one of the local vets immediately.  Usually the dog will recover within a day or two if properly treated.  The dog should NOT be hydrated with saline because the organism thrives in salt water.  Most vets want to hydrate as a matter of course; please be sure to tell them you suspect red tide exposure and hydrating is not recommended.