Red Tide

Florida's red tides are produced by massive growths of certain types of microplankton that kill fish and contaminate shellfish.  These toxins produced by the plankton are not eliminated by cooking or freezing the seafood.  The toxins can also be airborne in rough coastal surf and if inhaled cause respiratory and eye irritation.

Red Tide Safety

DO NOT harvest shellfish or dying fish from known areas of red tide.  The occurrence is usually seasonal along Florida's southwest coast in spring and early summer.  However, red tide has been recorded out of season and in near-shore regions of the east and Gulf coasts of Florida.   

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