Red Tide Current Status

Current Conditions

Over the past week, the red tide organism Karenia brevis was detected in 49 samples collected from Northwest and Southwest Florida. Bloom concentrations (>100,000 cells/liter) were observed in 6 samples: one offshore of Citrus County, one from Pinellas County, two from Sarasota County, and two from Charlotte County (StatewideTable1204). We are continuing to use satellite chlorophyll imagery (USF, NOAA NCCOS) to track this patchy bloom. Imagery from December 2 reveals that small offshore chlorophyll patches persist between the Panhandle and Collier County, but intensity appears to be less than observed last week, and remains at moderate levels.

Additional details are provided below.

• In Southwest Florida over the past week, K. brevis was observed at background to medium concentrations in and offshore of Pinellas County, background to low concentrations in Manatee County, background to medium concentrations in Sarasota County, low to medium concentrations in Charlotte County, and background and very low concentrations in Lee County.
• In Northwest Florida over the past week, K. brevis was observed at background to medium concentrations offshore of Citrus County.
• 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 (along Pinellas County).

Respiratory Irritation

Respiratory irritation suspected to be related to red tide was reported over the past week in Southwest Florida (Pinellas 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 predict net southern movement of surface waters and southeastern transport of subsurface waters in most areas over the next 3.5 days, from Pinellas County to northern Monroe County. These currents could move existing populations of K. brevis further south.

To see detailed information on this week's samples, view the current Statewide Google Earth map for December 4, 2024.

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, December 6^th. 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.