TAMPA BAY AREA, FLORIDA — Toxic algae has wiped out droves of south west Florida's marine life.
According to the National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration, red tide algal blooms can produce neurotoxins which are lethal to fish.
A red tide bloom 150 miles long was observed last month in South West Florida. It reportedly reached the Tampa Bay area over the weekend. The algae can also cause hypoxia to fish via oxygen depletion in water. It is deadly to birds, turtles, manatees and dolphins.
Red tide can be harmful to humans if the neurotoxins become airborne, or by eating infected shellfish. Symptoms of infection can include coughing and irritated eyes, although individuals with respiratory conditions may suffer more serious problems.
