Red Tide Current Status

Current Conditions

Over the past week, the red tide organism Karenia brevis was detected in 44 samples collected from Southwest Florida. Bloom concentrations (>100,000 cells/liter) were not observed (StatewideTable0305). We continue to use satellite imagery (USF and NOAA NCCOS) to help track nearshore and offshore conditions. Elevated chlorophyll features along the coast of Southwest Florida appear to have dissipated in most areas.

Additional details are provided below.

• In Southwest Florida over the past week, K. brevis was observed at background to very low concentrations in and offshore of Pinellas County, background to low concentrations in and offshore of Hillsborough County, background to very low concentrations offshore of both Manatee and Sarasota counties, background to very low concentrations in and offshore of Charlotte County, and background concentrations offshore of both Lee and Monroe counties.
• In Northwest Florida over the past week, K. brevis was not observed.
• Along the Florida East Coast over the past week, K. brevis was not observed.

Fish Kills

Fish kills suspected to be related to red tide were reported to FWC's Fish Kill Hotline and other partners over the past week for Southwest Florida (Pinellas, Manatee, and Sarasota counties).

Respiratory Irritation

Respiratory irritation suspected to be related to red tide was reported over the past week in Southwest Florida (Pinellas, Manatee, and Sarasota counties). For forecasts that use FWC and partner data, please visit the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Gulf of Mexico Harmful Algal Blooms Forecast.

Forecast

Forecasts provided by the USF-FWC Collaboration for Prediction of Red Tides for Pinellas County to northern Monroe County predict variable movement of surface and subsurface waters over the next 3.5 days.

To see detailed information on this week's samples, view the current Statewide Google Earth map for March 5, 2025.

By using Google Earth, you can zoom in to specific locations and click on stations to see detailed information, including sample date and cell concentration. You must have Google Earth installed on your computer to view this map; the software can be downloaded from the Google Earth website.

The next status report will be issued on Friday, March 7. Please check our daily sampling map which can be accessed from the top of this page.

Latest Red Tide Status Report Available by Phone

Call 866-300-9399 at any time from anywhere to hear a recording about red tide conditions throughout the state. Standard calling charges apply.

Reports are updated on Friday afternoon except during holidays, in which case the report will be released on the closest day. Additional information, if available, is provided on Wednesday afternoon. To receive an e-mail when the current status has been updated, visit our subscription area.

Additional Information

For additional information about red tide and the current red tide bloom, including information on how to report a fish kill or other wildlife effects, consult health authorities about human exposure, or locate other resources, visit our Red Tide-Related Hotlines and Information Sources page.

Archived status maps can be found in our Flickr gallery. Previous regional status reports and maps can be found on our red tide resources page.

Blue-Green Algae Bloom Information

Additional information regarding the current status of algal blooms in South Florida is being consolidated and posted on the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s website: https://floridadep.gov/dear/algal-bloom.