What is Harmful Algae?

Algae is a naturally occurring microscopic plant that lives bodies of water all over the world. Most algae is beneficial to the planet and the environment. It serves as a source of food for various animals. However, there is harmful algae sometimes referred to as the “red tide.” This algae can produce poisons that can kill shellfish, mammals, birds, and other aquatic life. Algae needs sunlight, water, and various nutrients to survive and thrive. When the water is combined with harmful chemicals such as fertilizers and other nitrates, it can create a sort of “mutant” algae that is bad for the environment.

• What are harmful algae blooms?
• Harmful algae in Maryland
• Information from UNESCO
• FAQ’s about Red Tide

Harmful algae can appear in many different colors, but the term red tide is named as such because the algae does actually appear red in color. It is usually very slimy in texture, and abundant throughout the areas in which it has infected. The algae spreads so far and so quickly that it can actually alter the color of the sea in large portions.

• Examples and Information – A few pictures of harmful algae and some more information
• Toxic Algae – Photos shown at the bottom of the page
• Red Tide – Some photos in Texas

Harmful algae does not just affect the animals that live in and around the waterways. It can have a profound affect on human beings as well. If humans breathe in the algae, they can experience several symptoms including irritated eyes and throat, and even a tingling sensation of the lips and tongue. It can especially affect people with asthma or emphysema, and can make breathing more difficult. Some people have said that after swimming in the water affected by harmful algae, they experienced a rash and severe itching that lasted for several days and in some cases, several weeks.

• Red Tide’s Affects on Manatees and Humans
• Shellfish and Humans – Some questions and answers about how shellfish affected by red tide can cause people harm.
•  Red Tide Toxins

Harmful algae can be found in almost any waterway, and scientists have a difficult time predicting its formation. It can be present anywhere, any time. Some of the most common areas where it occurs are along the Florida coast, in the Massachusetts harbor areas, the Gulf of Mexico and Carolinas. It is an ongoing struggle to fight against red tide and other forms of harmful algae. While some people state that this is a naturally occurring part of our world and there is nothing that can be done to prevent it, others have some simple solutions. There is no known definite “cure” for harmful algae. People can help to keep it at bay by not allowing runoff from plant fertilizers to enter the waterways, and by using more earth-friendly products. Unfortunately, once the algae is present, there is not much that can be done except to let it die off or drift to other areas of the sea.

• Florida Red Tide Map
• Redtiderelief.org – A group dedicated to educating others about red tide and how to prevent it
• Preventing Red Tide Poisoning

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