Red Tide Photos
Fall 2011
Microscopic view of preserved Karenia brevis and Prorocentrum micans in water sample tested Sept. 14, 2011 (photo courtesy Tony Reisinger, Cameron County Extension)
Dead redfish along the shores of the Brownsville Ship Channel, Sept 15, 2011 (photo courtesy Tony Reisinger, Cameron County Extension)
Fish kill at Mustang Island State Park, October 13, 2011 (TPWD photo)
Dead Atlantic bumper at beach access 6, South Padre Island, October 17, 2011 (TPWD photo)
Dead fish along the north shoreline of Matagorda Bay on Wednesday, Oct 26, 2011 (photo courtesy Josh Harper, TPWD)
Streaks of red tide off Freeport, October 28, 2011 (photo courtesy Winston Denton, TPWD)
Red tide in Lavaca Bay, October 28, 2011 (photo courtesy Winston Denton, TPWD)
Visible red tide near the Perry R. Bass Marine Fisheries Research Center in Palacios, October 28, 2011 (photo courtesy Winston Denton, TPWD)
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the Texas Department of State Health Services investigate reports of possible red tide along the coast and in the bays.
Three common signs of a red tide bloom are:
- discolored water
- dead fish
- breathing difficulty.
From the Centers
for Disease Control:
The human health effects associated with eating brevetoxin-tainted shellfish
are well documented. However, scientists know little about how other types
of environmental exposures to brevetoxin—such as breathing the air near
red tides or swimming in red tides—may affect humans. Anecdotal evidence
suggests that people who swim among brevetoxins or inhale brevetoxins dispersed
in the air may experience irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, as well
as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Additional evidence suggests
that people with existing respiratory illness, such as asthma, may experience
these symptoms more severely.
To report sightings of red tide during normal business hours, call your local TPWD office or 361-825-3244. Outside of normal business hours you may call TPWD’s 24-hour communications centers at 512-389-4848 (Austin) or 281-842-8100 (Houston.)
Although some travelers may be concerned with how the red tide may affect their vacation plans, there are miles of clean beaches to enjoy on the Texas coast. When making travel plans, heed the advice of the Texas Department of State Health Services : get the current facts and draw your own conclusions.
For more information about red tide and the latest updates, call the TPWD hotline at (800) 792-1112, select fishing, then select red tide.
Current information about shellfish closures can be obtained by contacting the Seafood Safety Division of the Texas Department of State Health Services at (800) 685-0361. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the Texas Department of State Health Services investigate reports of possible red tide along the coast and in the bays.